Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists 1

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Sticky, savory, sweet, and just a touch spicy — Maple Garlic Chicken Bites are everything you crave in one perfect skillet. Coated in a maple garlic glaze, seared until golden, and paired with a creamy Cajun Alfredo that adds smoky heat, these chicken bites are flavor-packed and incredibly satisfying.

But we’re not stopping there. Add crispy Brussels sprouts to the mix, and you’ve got the crunch that turns dinner into a full-blown experience. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself, this bold dish brings the comfort of home cooking with the flair of a restaurant-style creation.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

This isn’t your everyday chicken dinner. The maple glaze creates a sweet contrast to the garlicky savoriness, while the Cajun Alfredo brings a silky, spicy richness that balances the entire dish. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, with just enough heat to keep every bite interesting.

Pairing it with crispy Brussels sprouts not only adds color and crunch but also rounds out the plate nutritionally. This meal is versatile enough for a cozy family dinner or an elevated weekend meal that feels like a celebration.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Maple Garlic Chicken Bites?

Chicken thighs are your best friend in this recipe. They stay juicy, absorb the glaze beautifully, and have just enough richness to stand up to the bold Cajun Alfredo sauce. If you prefer something leaner, chicken breast works fine too, but make sure not to overcook it to keep it tender and moist.

Ingredients for the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists

This dish brings together bold flavors and textures, and each ingredient plays a role in making the final plate something truly unforgettable. From the sticky-sweet glaze to the smoky cream sauce, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken thighs
  • Maple syrup
  • Garlic cloves
  • Soy sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

The juicy chicken thighs form the protein base and soak up flavor well. Maple syrup gives that sticky-sweet element, balanced by soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for tang. Garlic cloves and red pepper flakes bring the punch, while olive oil and butter carry the flavor into the pan. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese build a luscious Alfredo, made bold with Cajun seasoning. Finally, Brussels sprouts offer a crispy twist, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper.

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How To Make the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists

Step 1: Sear the Brussels Sprouts

Halve your Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Roast them in a hot oven at 425°F until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. This step builds the crispy crunch that will contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Garlic Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened. This will become your coating sauce for the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites

Cube your chicken thighs and sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned. Add the maple garlic glaze and let it caramelize and coat the chicken until sticky and glossy.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo

In a separate skillet, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Pour in heavy cream, let it simmer, then whisk in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss your cooked pasta in the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Plate with glazed chicken bites on top, and scatter crispy Brussels sprouts for texture. Drizzle extra glaze or Alfredo if you’re feeling indulgent.

How to Serve and Store Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a standalone dinner, and it plates beautifully. Serve it hot, with the creamy Alfredo pasta as the base, glazed chicken bites layered on top, and crispy Brussels sprouts sprinkled all around for that extra pop of color and crunch.

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people, making it perfect for family meals or casual dinner parties. If you’re meal-prepping, the components can be made ahead and assembled just before serving. Store the chicken, pasta, and Brussels sprouts in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven for the best texture.

What to Serve With Maple Garlic Chicken Bites?

Herbed Garlic Bread

The richness of Alfredo sauce begs for something to swipe through it, and herbed garlic bread does the job perfectly.

Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to all the bold flavors in this dish.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Slightly caramelized and naturally sweet, they pair beautifully with the maple glaze in the chicken.

Charred Corn on the Cob

Grilled or oven-charred corn brings smoky-sweet flavor that complements the Cajun cream.

Pickled Red Onions

Tangy and bright, they cut through the richness and bring an unexpected pop.

Sauteed Green Beans

Keep it simple and snappy. These bring extra greens and lightness to the meal.

Cornbread Muffins

Southern flair in every bite. They’re mildly sweet and fantastic at soaking up sauce.

Apple Slaw

A chilled slaw with crunchy apples adds a tart and juicy element to your plate.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into bold, comforting flavors like these Maple Garlic Chicken Bites, you’ll love exploring more creative twists from Janet Dishes. Here are some top picks to keep your dinner lineup exciting:

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms for the ultimate cozy skillet meal.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you’re craving something wholesome and loaded with fresh herbs.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with that irresistible golden crunch.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a bite-sized comfort food moment.

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole to take your weeknight Mexican cravings to another level.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more heat to the Alfredo? Swap in broccolini instead of Brussels? Maybe even toss it all over rice instead of pasta?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner easier and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, cozy meals, and fresh ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite weeknight go-to.

Conclusion

This Maple Garlic Chicken Bites recipe is all about balance — sticky and sweet, creamy and spicy, crispy and tender. It feels indulgent but comes together easily for a midweek meal that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or for yourself, it delivers on comfort, flavor, and that little spark of wow you didn’t know you were missing.

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Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists 1

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo and Crispy Brussels Twists recipe is a bold and satisfying dinner idea. Featuring sticky maple-glazed chicken bites, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and oven-crisped Brussels sprouts, it’s a flavorful weeknight chicken dinner that’s comforting and impressive. Perfect for fans of sweet and spicy chicken dishes and creamy pasta lovers alike.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs

1⁄3 cup maple syrup

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

3⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

1⁄2 tsp salt

1⁄4 tsp black pepper


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy and browned.

2. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Cube chicken thighs. Sear in a skillet with olive oil until golden. Add maple glaze and cook until sticky and caramelized.

4. In a second skillet, melt butter. Add Cajun seasoning, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer and whisk in Parmesan until creamy and thick.

5. Toss cooked pasta in Cajun Alfredo sauce. Plate with glazed chicken bites and roasted Brussels sprouts. Drizzle extra sauce if desired.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier bites and deeper flavor.

Roast the Brussels sprouts until deeply golden for maximum crisp.

Make the sauce just before serving to keep it ultra-creamy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Chicken Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 710mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

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