Description
Experience a burst of flavors with these Juicy Spicy Chicken Tacos featuring tender marinated chicken, crispy fried onions, and a creamy Alfredo-style pasta base. This dish combines the zest of Cajun seasoning with smooth cheesy goodness, making it a perfect meal to ignite your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 500 g Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Onions
- 1 cup Onions, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup Flour
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- Oil for frying (neutral oil)
For the Alfredo Pasta
- 300 g Pasta (elbow macaroni or cavatappi)
- 4 tbsp Butter (clarified butter preferred)
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to marinate the chicken evenly. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Crispy Onion Preparation: Thinly slice the onions and toss them with flour and cornstarch until they are evenly coated. Heat neutral oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated onions until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce and Mix Pasta: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat the noodles thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Alfredo mac and cheese, then top generously with the golden chicken bites and crispy fried onions. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, breasts for leaner options.
- Clarified butter is ideal for high heat cooking to prevent burning.
- Fry onions in batches to avoid overcrowding and get even crispiness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level to your preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy pasta and crispy onion textures.
