Description
This Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo Twists is a delightful fusion of zesty, crispy chicken and rich, spicy pasta. The chicken is marinated with fresh lemon juice and zesty seasonings, then lightly fried to perfection. The pasta twists are coated in a luscious cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce with roasted red peppers, making it a comforting yet flavorful meal perfect for a family dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (opt for thighs for juiciness)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh juice recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free options available)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for frying; can use vegetable or canola oil)
Cajun Alfredo Twists
- 8 ounces Rotini or Fusilli Pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers (jarred options save time)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Garnish & Serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- 2 pieces Lemon Wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine boneless skinless chicken breasts with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, blend together all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in this flour mixture, ensuring even coverage. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Fry the Chicken Bites: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for frying chicken, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat all pasta pieces evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta twists onto serving plates. Top with the crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest significantly enhance the flavor of the chicken bites.
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken without excessive oil absorption.
- Reserved pasta water helps in adjusting the sauce consistency and binding the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
