Sweet heat meets creamy comfort in this bold and cozy weeknight dinner. These Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, golden, and coated in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Served alongside Cajun Alfredo rotini and crispy broccoli twists, this dish is a flavor-packed trifecta that hits all the right notes.

Perfect for when you want something satisfying but elevated, this recipe brings together bold Southern spice and sticky-sweet heat with the richness of Alfredo pasta. It’s a plate that balances indulgence and freshness, and it comes together quicker than you’d think.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs will give you a juicier result with a little more fat, while breasts are leaner and just as tender if not overcooked. The key is to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from that hot honey garlic glaze.

Ingredients for the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Chicken Breasts or Thighs – These are the protein heroes of this dish, soaking up every bit of that spicy-sweet glaze.
Hot Honey – A mix of honey and heat, this ingredient creates the crave-worthy coating for the chicken.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings pungent depth to the glaze.
Soy Sauce – Adds umami and salt to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Paprika + Cajun Seasoning – For smoky flavor and a kick that unifies both the chicken and Alfredo elements.
Heavy Cream – The creamy base for the Alfredo, bringing richness and body.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated fresh for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
Rotini Pasta – The corkscrew shape holds onto the Alfredo sauce in all the right ways.
Broccoli Florets – Roasted till crispy and slightly charred for texture and a bitter note that balances the richness.
Olive Oil + Butter – Used to cook the chicken and broccoli with flavor.
Salt + Pepper – Basic but essential for seasoning everything just right.

How To Make the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for crispy edges and some char for that nutty depth.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil and a bit of butter, sear the chicken on medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Garlic Glaze

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add more butter. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce and hot honey, letting the sauce bubble into a sticky glaze. Add the cooked chicken back in and toss until well-coated.

Step 5: Create the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a separate pan or the cleaned pasta pot, melt butter and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently and whisk in Cajun seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan. Once creamy and thickened, fold in the cooked pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 6: Plate and Finish

Divide Cajun Alfredo onto plates, top with hot honey garlic chicken bites, and scatter crispy broccoli twists on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like.

How to Serve and Store Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo

This dish is best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet. For extra flair, top with fresh basil or parsley, and maybe an extra drizzle of hot honey if you want more of that sweet kick. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm everything on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the pasta from drying out. The chicken can be microwaved separately if needed.

Avoid freezing, as the Alfredo sauce may split when thawed and reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

It’s a mild to medium heat, depending on the brand of hot honey. You can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like it hotter.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but for best flavor and texture, fresh-cooked chicken is ideal since it gets seared with seasonings and finished in the glaze.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

What pasta works best if I don’t have rotini?

Fusilli, penne, or even fettuccine are all great options for catching the creamy Alfredo sauce.

How do I keep broccoli crispy?

Make sure your oven is hot and the broccoli isn’t crowded on the tray—space helps it roast, not steam.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and coconut cream or oat milk for the Alfredo, and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Want More Chicken Pasta Recipes?

If you’re into spicy chicken and creamy pasta combos, you’ll love these other bold ideas from the kitchen:

And if you’re looking for even more dinner inspiration, I share daily recipes on my Pinterest: Life with Nina on Pinterest

📌 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 swap the broccoli for asparagus? Add more heat to the glaze?

I love seeing how others customize these recipes. Have questions or tips? Drop them below so we can all level up our weeknight meals!

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine: American-Southern Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists is a bold, comforting meal that brings spicy-sweet flavor together with creamy pasta and crispy roasted veggies. Perfect for weeknights when you want to impress without the stress.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy and slightly charred.

2. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

3. Season chicken with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet with olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Melt butter, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce and hot honey. Simmer until thickened. Add chicken back in and coat well.

5. In a separate pan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream. Add Cajun seasoning and Parmesan. Simmer until thick and creamy. Stir in cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed to loosen.

6. Plate Alfredo pasta, top with hot honey chicken, and serve with crispy broccoli. Garnish with basil or parsley.