Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Save this recipe on:

When sweet heat meets creamy Cajun comfort, you get a dish that’s as bold as it is cozy. Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites bring tender, juicy morsels of chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet glaze with just the right kick. Pair that with a silky, Cajun-spiced Alfredo pasta and crispy broccoli twists, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.

Every bite offers a little magic—the chicken delivers that satisfying caramelized edge, the pasta wraps your palate in a warm, peppery hug, and the broccoli twists add a delightful crunch that balances it all out. It’s a combination that works for both family meals and impressing dinner guests.


Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

  • Flavor layers galore: Sweet, spicy, garlicky chicken paired with creamy, smoky pasta.
  • Balanced textures: Tender chicken, velvety sauce, and crisp-tender broccoli.
  • Crowd-pleasing appeal: Works for both casual and special occasions.
  • Customizable spice: Adjust the heat level to suit your preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

  • Heavy Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: For that golden sear on chicken bites without overcooking.
  • Large Pot: Boil pasta to al dente perfection.
  • Colander: Drain pasta while keeping it intact for sauce coating.
  • Mixing Bowls: Toss chicken with seasonings evenly.
  • Whisk: Create a smooth Alfredo sauce without lumps.
  • Baking Sheet: Roast broccoli twists until crispy.

Ingredients for the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo

  • Chicken breast (bite-sized pieces): For tender, juicy bites.
  • Hot honey: Sweetness with a kick.
  • Garlic: Deep, savory aroma.
  • Cajun seasoning: Smoky, peppery depth for the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Creates a velvety Alfredo.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness.
  • Butter: For sauce body and flavor.
  • Rotini pasta: Perfect shape for holding sauce.
  • Broccoli florets: Roasted for crisp edges.
  • Olive oil: Helps with searing and roasting.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning.
Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Toss chicken in salt, pepper, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. Sear in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Garlic Glaze

In the same pan, add minced garlic and hot honey. Simmer briefly, then coat chicken until glossy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a pan, whisk in cream, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Roast the Broccoli Twists

Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until crispy.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Plate pasta with sauce, top with chicken bites, and serve alongside broccoli twists.


Serving & Storing

Serve immediately for best texture. Store leftovers in airtight containers—pasta and chicken can be reheated in a skillet with a splash of cream, while broccoli is best crisped in an air fryer or oven.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, thighs offer extra juiciness and work perfectly.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium—adjust hot honey and Cajun seasoning for preference.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep components separately and combine before serving.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu.

Can I freeze it?

The chicken freezes well, but the Alfredo sauce is best fresh.


Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this recipe, try these:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit anytime. For more dishes, check out my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate.


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists is a bold, weeknight-friendly dinner featuring sweet heat chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and oven-crisp broccoli. Keywords: hot honey chicken, Cajun Alfredo, chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, broccoli sides.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bites

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup hot honey

12 oz rotini pasta

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

12 oz broccoli florets

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (for broccoli)

1/2 tsp kosher salt (for broccoli)

1/4 tsp black pepper (for broccoli)

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil, for garnish


Instructions

1. Season chicken: Pat chicken dry, then toss with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.

2. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl.

3. Make hot honey garlic glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in hot honey and simmer 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet and toss until glossy. Keep warm.

4. Boil pasta: Cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

5. Build Cajun Alfredo: In a clean saucepan, add heavy cream, remaining 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer on medium-low, whisking until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Thin with reserved pasta water to a silky, clingy consistency.

6. Roast broccoli: Toss broccoli with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Roast at 425 F for 14 to 18 minutes until edges are crisp.

7. Finish and serve: Toss pasta with Cajun Alfredo and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Plate pasta, top with hot honey garlic chicken bites, garnish with parsley, and serve with crispy broccoli on the side.

Notes

Warm the hot honey briefly if it is thick so it coats the chicken evenly.

Salt your pasta water generously; it is the base seasoning for the Alfredo.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier Cajun blend.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg

Save this recipe on: