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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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.