Julia Walton
Golden, garlicky chicken bites coated in rich butter and a hint of Cajun spice, paired with creamy Alfredo mac and cheese topped with crispy caramelized onions—this dish is comfort food at its finest. The chicken is juicy, the mac is decadently cheesy, and the onion topping adds just the right amount of crunch to every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen. The balance of buttery garlic, smoky Cajun notes, and creamy pasta makes it an instant family favorite.
What Makes These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac So Good?
The secret lies in the layers of flavor. The chicken bites are seared in butter until golden and tossed in a garlic-Cajun glaze that packs flavor without being overwhelming. The Alfredo mac, on the other hand, is luxuriously creamy with a mild Cajun kick to complement the chicken. And the crispy onion topping? It adds an irresistible crunch that makes every bite feel special.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac
For the Chicken Bites
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – The star of the dish; tender and perfect for bite-sized searing.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
- Garlic – Infuses the chicken with savory depth.
- Cajun Seasoning – Provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that ties everything together.
- Olive Oil – Prevents the butter from burning while searing.
- Parsley – Fresh and bright, balancing the richness of the dish.
For the Cajun Alfredo Mac
- Elbow Macaroni or Cavatappi Pasta – Holds the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream – The base of a rich, velvety sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty creaminess.
- Mozzarella Cheese – For that stretchy, cheesy pull.
- Cajun Seasoning – A mild kick to the Alfredo sauce, keeping the flavors consistent.
- Butter & Garlic – Enhance the creaminess and aroma of the sauce.
For the Crispy Onion Topping
- Thinly Sliced Onions – The crunch factor; fried until golden.
- Flour & Cornstarch – Helps the onions crisp up perfectly.
- Salt – For seasoning right after frying.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac with Crispy Onion Topping
Step 1: Marinate & Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
Step 2: Crisp the Onions
Coat thinly sliced onions in a light mix of flour and cornstarch. Heat oil in a skillet, then fry the onions until golden brown and crispy. Set them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil your chosen pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring as it simmers. Slowly whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta and coat well.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken Bites
In another skillet, heat butter with a splash of olive oil. Sear the marinated chicken bites over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Toss them in additional melted butter and garlic for extra flavor.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Spoon the creamy Cajun Alfredo Mac onto plates or bowls. Top generously with crispy onions and serve with the garlic butter chicken bites on the side or arranged together for a hearty, comforting meal.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac
This dish is best enjoyed hot, fresh off the skillet when the chicken is still juicy, the mac is creamy, and the onions are perfectly crispy. Serve it family-style in a large platter or individually plated for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
For storing, keep the chicken and mac in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The Alfredo mac will last up to 3 days, while the chicken remains fresh for about 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the pasta sauce back to its creamy consistency. The crispy onions are best stored in a paper towel-lined container and reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick crunch revival.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac?
1. Garlic Bread
Buttery, toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that rich Alfredo sauce.
2. Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, savory, and slightly crisp, they pair beautifully with the Cajun spices.
3. Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
A warm and cozy soup that complements the creamy mac.
4. Southern Deviled Eggs
A classic appetizer that balances the richness of this hearty meal.
5. Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
Add a seafood twist to your table for a true Cajun-inspired feast.
6. Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Crispy and cheesy, these make an excellent side dish.
7. Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
If you’re serving a crowd, this dish doubles as a great alternative or additional protein option.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac, you’ll enjoy these cozy favorites:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a seafood kick that mirrors the Cajun flavors.
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight if you can’t get enough creamy mac variations.
- Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for the ultimate Southern comfort experience.
- Parmesan Baked Potatoes as a crispy and cheesy side that pairs beautifully with this dish.
- Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for another indulgent chicken recipe your family will love.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious comfort-food combo to your favorite Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving something hearty and full of flavor.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added extra Cajun spice or swapped the crispy onions for fried shallots? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your version!
Need more recipe inspiration? Visit me on SavorQueen Recipes where I share my daily kitchen creations. Your next favorite dish might be waiting there.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac with Crispy Onion Topping
Equipment
- skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 300 g elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup thinly sliced onions
- 0.25 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp salt
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate with oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for 15 min.
- Coat onions in flour and cornstarch, fry until golden crispy.
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, stir cream and Cajun seasoning, add cheeses until creamy, toss pasta.
- Sear chicken in butter and oil until golden, toss with garlic butter.
- Assemble by plating mac, topping with onions, and adding chicken bites.