Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice

Introduction

The kitchen filled with warm garlic and butter, and right away I knew this was home. Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice hits that sweet spot between comfort and a little spice, and this always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you like garlic-parmesan flavors, you might also enjoy my take on a garlic-parmesan chicken and potatoes skillet, which plays well with the same pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This

• Fast weeknight dinner — ready in about 40 minutes.
• Cozy, rich flavors with a bright Cajun kick.
• Budget-friendly ingredients you likely have.
• Kid-friendly but grown-up enough for guests.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 40–45 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: savory + buttery with a mild Cajun warmth

You’ll feel confident making this even if you’re new to skillet cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cutlets or chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
• Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
• A drizzle of garlic butter (optional garnish)

Chef notes:

• Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
• Unsalted butter helps control salt.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for best melt.
• Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture.

How to Make It

1. First, make the Cajun butter rice. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add the rice and toast, stirring, for 1 minute until it smells nutty.
2. Next, pour in 3 cups chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Then cover, lower heat to a gentle simmer, and cook 15–18 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, the aroma will deepen and the grains should look plump.
4. After rice is done, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Fluff with a fork, cover, and keep warm. The rice should be creamy but each grain separate.
5. Meanwhile, season the chicken with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press the seasoning into the meat.
6. Then heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). You’ll see golden edges and juices run clear.
7. Next, remove chicken and lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant and soft, not brown.
8. Then sprinkle 3/4 cup grated Parmesan into the pan and let it melt slightly into the buttery garlic. Stir until the sauce becomes glossy.
9. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic-Parmesan butter over each piece and cook 1–2 minutes more until the chicken glistens and the coating clings. Serve over the creamy Cajun butter rice.

For a different creamy twist, try a similar comfort pasta like Cajun chicken pasta some nights.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Pound breasts thin for even, faster cooking.
2. Common mistake + fix: If the Parmesan browns too fast, lower to medium heat and add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
3. Simple variation: Swap smoked paprika for cayenne for more heat, or serve with a side of one-pot creamy garlic pasta for extra comfort.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Spoon rice, top with chicken, and scatter parsley.
• Brunch twist: Slice chicken and serve over a warm grain bowl.
• Casual party: Make smaller cutlets for a buffet-style plate.
• Sides: Roast green beans, and serve creamy honey corn like creamy honey butter corn.
• Leftover quick meal: Roll slices into cheesy garlic chicken wraps for lunch.

Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of garlic butter if you like it decadent.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to keep sauce silky.

Leftover idea: Chop the chicken and toss into a salad or grain bowl for a fast lunch.

Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice

A cozy, buttery weeknight dinner with savory garlic and a mild Cajun kick, perfect for families and guests alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cutlets or chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter Use unsalted for better control over salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for bigger flavor
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Season to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Swap for cayenne for more heat if desired
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Cajun Butter Rice

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice Use long-grain for fluffy texture
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream For a creamier rice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley (optional) For garnish
• Extra Parmesan (optional) For garnish
• A drizzle of garlic butter (optional) For garnish

Method

 

Prepare the Cajun Butter Rice

1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and toast, stirring, for 1 minute until it smells nutty.
3. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth.
4. Stir in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Cover, lower heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15–18 minutes until tender.
7. After rice is done, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and fluff with a fork. Keep warm.

Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and lower the heat to medium.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and let it melt slightly into the buttery garlic.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic-Parmesan butter over each piece, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Serve

1. Serve the chicken over the creamy Cajun butter rice.
2. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of garlic butter if desired.

Notes

For time-saving, pound chicken breasts thin for even cooking. Common mistake: If Parmesan browns too fast, lower heat and add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook rice and chicken, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently and spoon sauce over before serving.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can freeze the chicken and rice separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a thermometer—165°F. Also look for clear juices and a firm texture.

Q: Can I swap ingredients?
A: Sure. Use light cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce, and adjust salt to taste.

Conclusion

For more creamy Cajun inspiration, try a different protein like this Creamy Cajun Chicken – Salt & Lavender or explore seafood options such as Creamy Cajun Salmon | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.

Final Thoughts

I love how a few pantry staples turn into something that feels special. So, next time you want a cozy skillet dinner that finishes with a glossy, garlicky sauce, make this and invite a friend. Enjoy every golden, garlicky bite of Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice