Description

This Indulgent Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Magic recipe combines crispy, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a sweet, spicy honey garlic sauce with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta and perfectly roasted broccoli. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that balances heat, sweetness, and richness, perfect for a comforting dinner that feels special yet approachable.

Ingredients

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Chicken Bites

1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken (thighs preferred for juiciness; tofu for vegetarian option)
0.5 cup Cornstarch (rice flour can replace for gluten-free)
0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free blend can be used)
1 tsp Kosher Salt (reduce slightly if using table salt)
0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground recommended)
0.5 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
0.5 cup Neutral Oil (avocado or vegetable oil as substitute)
0.33 cup Honey (maple syrup for vegan option)
2 tbsp Hot Sauce (adjust spice level to taste)
3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
1 tbsp Soy Sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (olive oil for dairy-free option)
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar can be used)

Pasta & Sauce

12 oz Rotini Pasta (any preferred pasta shape)
1 cup Heavy Cream (full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to preference)
0.75 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan)
0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water

Vegetables & Garnish

3 cups Broccoli Florets (substitute asparagus or green beans if desired)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (or any vegetable oil)
2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional garnish)
0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless skinless chicken dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika until well coated for a crispy crust.
Fry the Chicken Bites: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until the pieces become golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, discard extra oil leaving about one tablespoon. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the fried chicken bites to the skillet and toss them gently in the hot honey garlic sauce over low heat, ensuring each piece is well coated and warmed through.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Adjust the consistency by stirring in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Roast the Broccoli: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is tender with slightly crispy edges.
Assemble and Serve: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, then plate. Top the pasta with the hot honey garlic chicken bites and roasted broccoli. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired for added heat.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch and all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free pasta.
To make this recipe vegan, replace chicken with firm tofu, honey with maple syrup, Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet during frying to maintain crispiness.
Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect creamy Alfredo sauce consistency.
Roasting broccoli at high heat brings out a lovely caramelized flavor and crisp texture.