Description

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo are quick, golden chicken nuggets coated in Parmesan and panko, served with a smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce. This easy dinner delivers crunchy texture, creamy heat, and restaurant-style flavor in under 45 minutes. Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken bites, smoked cajun alfredo, chicken alfredo bites, cajun alfredo sauce, weeknight chicken dinner.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided (for breading)

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)

1 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Set up breading station: one bowl flour, one bowl beaten eggs, one bowl panko mixed with 3/4 cup Parmesan.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then coat in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

4. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

5. Fry chicken in batches without crowding, 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and cooked through; transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

6. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 cup Parmesan; simmer 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Season to taste.

8. Serve chicken bites with the smoked Cajun Alfredo for dipping or drizzling; garnish with parsley if desired.

9. Optionally, toss with cooked pasta for a fuller meal.

10. Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

Let the breaded chicken rest 5 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.

Maintain medium heat; too hot scorches the crust before the inside cooks.

Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or hot oven to restore crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 680
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 41 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 44 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg