Lorenzo Devereaux
Sweet meets savory in this irresistible dish where tender chicken bites are glazed with a sticky maple-garlic sauce, then paired with a creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta that packs a gentle kick. Each forkful delivers a beautiful harmony of smoky spice, velvety sauce, and the caramelized goodness of roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s the kind of comfort food that invites you to slow down and savor every bite.
The magic here lies in the layering of flavors: a sweet garlicky glaze clinging to juicy chicken, balanced by the bold creaminess of Alfredo and the earthy crispness of Brussels sprouts. Perfect for weeknight indulgence or as a weekend showstopper, this dish proves you can have cozy comfort and vibrant flair all in one bowl.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for this recipe. Breast meat will give you leaner bites with a mild flavor, while thighs bring extra juiciness and richness. Cutting the chicken into uniform chunks ensures even cooking and perfect searing.
Ingredients for the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists
- Chicken breast or thighs – Provides the juicy, tender protein base for the maple garlic glaze.
- Maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and a rich caramel note that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses both the glaze and Alfredo sauce with deep flavor.
- Butter – Brings a silky richness to both the chicken glaze and pasta sauce.
- Cajun seasoning – The spice backbone of the Alfredo, giving warmth and depth.
- Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy sauce for the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the Alfredo for salty, nutty richness.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta – Perfect for clinging to the creamy Cajun Alfredo.
- Brussels sprouts – Roasted until crispy to add earthy balance and texture.
- Olive oil – Ensures golden, flavorful roasting for the Brussels sprouts.
- Fresh parsley – Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
How To Make the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Twists
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Halve your Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 18-22 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Maple Garlic Glaze
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in maple syrup and let it bubble gently, coating the chicken until the glaze thickens.
Step 4: Start the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Create the Spicy Cajun Alfredo
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Toss the pasta with the Cajun Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Plate the pasta, top with maple garlic chicken bites, and arrange the crispy Brussels sprouts around the edges. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serving and Storing Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists
This dish is best served fresh while the Brussels sprouts are crisp and the Alfredo sauce is luxuriously creamy. If making ahead, store the chicken, pasta, and Brussels sprouts separately to preserve their textures. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky consistency.
What to Serve With Maple Garlic Chicken Bites?
Garlic Bread
A warm, buttery slice is perfect for mopping up the Cajun Alfredo sauce.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp, tangy salad with vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Asparagus
Pairs well with the maple-garlic sweetness while staying light and elegant.
Cornbread Muffins
Sweet and crumbly, these complement the Cajun spice beautifully.
Grilled Zucchini
Adds smoky, tender bites that balance the richness of the Alfredo.
Tomato Basil Soup
A cozy starter that enhances the comfort-food vibe.
Sparkling Lemon Water
Keeps the palate fresh between bites.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love these Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting, flavor-packed favorites:
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for creamy, garlicky indulgence.
• Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with a rich, bold twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a classic, crowd-pleasing dinner.
• Chicken Street Tacos if you want a zesty, handheld meal.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for romance on a plate.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make your Brussels extra crispy? Did you turn up the Cajun spice or keep it mild?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists
Equipment
- Skillet
- saucepan
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs
- 60 ml maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 60 g butter
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 100 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 300 g fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 250 g Brussels sprouts halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down for 18-22 minutes until crispy.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season, and sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until cooked.
- Add butter and minced garlic to skillet, cook for 30 seconds, then stir in maple syrup. Simmer until glaze thickens.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth. Adjust thickness with pasta water.
- Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce, top with chicken bites, and serve with roasted Brussels sprouts. Garnish with parsley.