Julia Walton
Golden, sticky chicken bites glazed in hot honey garlic sauce meet creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, all topped with tender-yet-crispy broccoli florets. This plate delivers the best of both worlds: a fiery-sweet crunch on the chicken and a velvety, spiced pasta that wraps around every forkful. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you pause mid-bite and just savor.
Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply want a meal that feels like a restaurant indulgence at home, this recipe strikes the balance. The broccoli adds a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness, while the Cajun seasoning brings a smoky kick that ties everything together beautifully.
What Makes the Best Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo?
For the chicken bites, a light crispy coating is key—it locks in the juices so every piece is tender inside. The hot honey garlic sauce should cling perfectly, not run off, giving you that lacquered shine and bold flavor. For the Alfredo, the sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta but not overly heavy, with Cajun spices adding warmth without overpowering the creaminess.
Ingredients for the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists
- Chicken breast or thigh pieces – Tender meat holds flavor well and cooks quickly.
- Cornstarch & flour – The perfect blend for that light, crisp chicken coating.
- Hot honey – Brings the sweet heat that makes the chicken addictive.
- Fresh garlic – A must for depth and aroma in the sauce.
- Unsalted butter – Builds richness in both the chicken glaze and Alfredo.
- Heavy cream – The base of the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Cajun seasoning – Smoky, slightly spicy, and aromatic for the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth to the Alfredo.
- Rotini pasta – Twists capture the sauce in every bite.
- Fresh broccoli florets – Steamed or blanched, then crisped for contrast.
- Fresh parsley – A bright garnish to finish the dish.
How To Make the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Toss them in a mix of cornstarch and flour until evenly coated. This ensures the bites will fry up crisp and golden.
Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in hot honey and a splash of soy sauce, letting the sauce bubble for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return fried chicken bites to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the sticky sauce. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the honey.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 6: Make the Cajun Alfredo
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream. Add Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Thin with pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Step 7: Crisp the Broccoli
Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 8–10 minutes until edges are slightly crisp.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Toss pasta with the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Plate with glazed chicken bites on top or to the side, and finish with crispy broccoli twists. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Serving and Storing Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists
This dish shines brightest when served hot, right after the chicken has been glazed and the pasta is fresh from the pot. The contrast between the crispy chicken and silky Cajun Alfredo is at its peak within minutes of plating.
To store leftovers, keep the chicken and pasta separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Gently reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky texture.
What to Serve With Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo
Garlic Bread with a Buttery Crunch
Perfect for mopping up extra Alfredo sauce and balancing the spice.
Caesar Salad with a Zesty Dressing
Adds freshness and a tangy bite to complement the richness.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A slightly sweet side that pairs beautifully with Cajun seasoning.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Coated with herb butter, it’s a smoky-sweet partner for the spicy chicken.
Simple Garden Salad
A light, crisp side to refresh the palate.
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
For an extra punch of flavor and texture.
Sautéed Green Beans with Lemon
Bright and citrusy to offset the creamy pasta.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A naturally sweet way to round out the meal.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo, you might also enjoy these savory favorites from my kitchen:
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a smoky, one-pan wonder.
- White Wine Parmesan Chicken for a rich, elegant main.
- Hawaiian Style Huli Huli Chicken when you’re craving tropical flavors.
- Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken for comfort food perfection.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a creamy, hearty dinner.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this irresistible recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to make it again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe swapped the broccoli for asparagus or added extra chili flakes? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your tips in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- sheet pan or air fryer
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 cup neutral oil, for frying
Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
- 0.33 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 3 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Cajun Alfredo Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water use as needed to thin sauce
Crispy Broccoli
- 3 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt
- 0.13 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. Toss with cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken in two batches, 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and 165°F inside. Transfer to a rack.
- Pour off excess oil, leaving 1 tsp. Add butter and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar; simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
- Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Keep warm on low.
- Boil rotini in salted water to al dente; reserve 1/2 cup water and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cream and Cajun seasoning; simmer 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; thin with pasta water as needed. Toss with pasta.
- Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast at 425°F for 8–10 minutes (or air-fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes) until edges are crisp.
- Serve pasta topped with glazed chicken and broccoli. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.