Description
Discover the secrets to making Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites and Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli with our step-by-step recipe, perfect for impressing family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoon s (45 ml) vegetable oil
- For the Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli:
- 8 ounce s (225 g) gemelli pasta
- 2 tablespoon s (30 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon s (7 g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat 2 large eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan-flour mixture.
- Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the browned chicken bites to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
- While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 ounces gemelli pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve the Parmesan-crusted chicken bites alongside the smoked Cajun Alfredo gemelli.
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Firmly press the Parmesan-flour blend onto the chicken for a crispy finishnSauté garlic to a light golden hue before pouring in the cream for depthnGradually add Parmesan to the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid clumping
