Chili Garlic Chicken Bites

As seen in: Food That Earns Undeserved Culinary Credit

Savor a bold fusion of flavors in these chili garlic chicken bites paired with a luscious Cajun corn Alfredo sauce. Twisted pasta is tossed in a velvety blend of cream, Parmesan, and sweet corn, then finished with smoky fire-roasted corn and a dusting of paprika. Juicy, spice-coated chicken pieces are pan-seared and enrobed in fragrant butter and garlic, making each bite deliciously satisfying. This vibrant dish is topped with fresh green onions for a pop of color and brightness—a perfect centerpiece for those craving creamy, spicy, and hearty comfort food in every forkful.

Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:29:39 GMT
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Save This
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken | cookrisp.com

Chili garlic chicken bites with creamy Cajun corn Alfredo sauce have completely redefined comfort food in my kitchen. This hearty pasta dish brings together warming spices tender chicken and a velvety sauce that is perfect when you want something exciting and deeply satisfying on a cozy night in.

When I first made this dish on a rainy fall evening the aroma of chili garlic butter in my tiny apartment had neighbors asking for the recipe. Now it is my go-to when I want to impress friends or bring a little heat to our dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini: brings satisfying texture and holds onto the creamy sauce well choose a high quality bronze cut pasta if you can
  • Salt for pasta water: ensures the pasta is seasoned from within
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: deliver juicy tender bites go for free-range when possible for better flavor
  • Olive oil: for browning the chicken it lends a subtle richness to the dish
  • Unsalted butter: for both the chicken and sauce adds silkiness and allows for perfect flavor control
  • Fresh garlic: is essential for robust depth buy plump and firm cloves
  • Chili garlic sauce: for heat and tanginess choose a brand with clean ingredients for best results
  • Cajun seasoning: builds a punchy smoky flavor look for a blend with no added sugar or fillers
  • Heavy cream: gives the sauce its decadent silky consistency go for full fat
  • Chicken broth: lightens the sauce and infuses layers of savory taste opt for low-sodium for easier seasoning
  • Canned or frozen corn: brings sweet pops of flavor fire-roasted works beautifully for extra smokiness
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: melts into the sauce for a luxurious finish always choose real Parmesan and grate it fresh
  • Freshly cracked black pepper and salt: for balanced seasoning
  • Green onions: bring a fresh top note make sure they are vibrant and crisp
  • Smoked paprika for dusting: lifts the flavor just before serving opt for Spanish varieties for the best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the twisted pasta and cook until just al dente. Always taste a noodle to check doneness. Scoop out a cup of the cooking water to adjust your sauce later then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Sear the chicken pieces in a single layer letting them get golden for about 6 to 8 minutes. Lower the heat add butter then stir in the minced garlic and chili garlic sauce. Keep the chicken moving in the pan until it smells incredibly fragrant and every piece is glossy. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Build the Cajun Corn Alfredo Sauce:
In a separate skillet melt the butter over medium. Sauté the minced garlic for just 30 seconds taking care not to brown it. Stream in the heavy cream and chicken broth stirring gently and let it come to a soft simmer. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and add the corn. Take the time to blend the sauce very smooth with an immersion blender or carefully in batches in a regular blender. This is what transforms the corn into a luscious velvety base. Return the sauce to low heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan until you have a creamy glossy finish. If the sauce is too thick whisk in some of the reserved pasta water until it clings just right.
Finish and Serve:
Toss the hot cooked pasta with your creamy Cajun corn Alfredo sauce, making sure every twist is beautifully coated. Fold in the chili garlic butter chicken so each bite is full of flavor. Portion into bowls and top with fire-roasted corn for bursts of smoky sweetness, a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for freshness, and a dusting of smoked paprika for a final layer of warmth.
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Save This
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken | cookrisp.com

Chili garlic sauce is my nonnegotiable must-have here. It delivers a perfect sweet heat and never fails to wake up an average weeknight. I love watching my family swirl their forks and scoop up the creamy sauce my kids always fight for the last piece of chicken and it is become our cozy Saturday tradition.

Storage Tips

Leftover chili garlic chicken bites pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat splash in an extra spoonful of chicken broth or cream and warm gently on the stove stirring to bring the sauce back to silky perfection. It also freezes well in a pinch though the sauce may separate slightly on thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version swap half the cream for milk or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end off heat. If you do not have twisted pasta go for any ridged pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. Feel free to use cooked turkey or even sautéed shrimp in place of chicken for an easy twist. Cheddar or pecorino cheese works nicely if Parmesan is not available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for balance and a tray of warm garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus make a colorful side. This dish pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc on special evenings.

Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Save This
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken | cookrisp.com

Cultural Context

Blending bold Cajun flavors with creamy Alfredo and the sweet pop of corn takes influence from Southern US comfort food and Italian pasta traditions. Dishes like this celebrate cross-cultural creativity and remind me how much joy comes from experimenting with pantry favorites and a few fresh spices.

Common Queries

→ How spicy are the chili garlic chicken bites?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by using more or less chili garlic sauce. Start with a small amount and add extra to suit your taste.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short, twisted pasta works well. Fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ What does the Cajun corn Alfredo sauce taste like?

The sauce is rich and creamy with a gentle Cajun kick, sweet notes from the corn, and robust Parmesan cheese flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

The components can be prepared in advance, but for best texture, assemble and garnish just before serving.

→ How can I add more smoky flavor?

Using fire-roasted corn and a sprinkle of smoked paprika enhances the smoky depth of this vibrant meal.

Chili Garlic Chicken Bites

Juicy chicken with garlic, chili, and Cajun Alfredo tossed with corn and twisted pasta for bold, creamy comfort.

Preparation Time
20 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
30 Minutes Required
Overall Time
50 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Gathering Stars

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Serving Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Twisted Pasta

01 225g twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi)
02 Salt for pasta water

→ Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

03 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 1 tbsp olive oil
05 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce
08 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Sauce

09 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 350ml heavy cream
12 120ml chicken broth
13 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
14 240ml canned or frozen corn, thawed
15 240ml grated Parmesan cheese
16 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

→ Toppings

17 120ml fire-roasted corn (thawed if frozen)
18 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
19 ½ tsp smoked paprika for dusting

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 120ml of the pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Reduce heat to low, add butter, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant and well-coated. Keep warm.

Step 03

Melt butter over medium heat in a separate skillet. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and add corn. Blend the sauce until smooth with an immersion or regular blender. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper. Thin with pasta water if needed.

Step 04

Toss cooked pasta with the Cajun corn Alfredo sauce until well coated. Fold in chili garlic butter chicken bites. Divide into bowls and garnish with fire-roasted corn, sliced green onions, and smoked paprika.

Additional Notes

  1. Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  2. Fire-roasted corn enhances the smoky flavors of the dish.
  3. Blending the corn purée adds creaminess to the sauce.

Tools to Have

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet for cooking chicken
  • Separate skillet for making sauce
  • Immersion or regular blender

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 520
  • Fat Content: 25.8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 42.5 grams
  • Protein Amount: 27.3 grams