Name: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken over Buttery Cajun Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup long‑grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; Salt and pepper to taste

I savor tender, cheesy garlic Parmesan chicken nestled over rich, buttery Cajun rice—a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the creamy, savory notes of garlic and Parmesan marry with spicy Cajun rice in this recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, cleanup is easy since it all comes together in one skillet!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil and butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Grated Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar
Heavy cream or half‑and‑half
Cajun seasoning
Long‑grain rice
Chicken broth
Onion and bell pepper, diced
Salt and pepper

Directions

I seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I melted butter with a splash of olive oil and seared the chicken until golden on each side.
I removed the chicken and set it aside, then added onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant.
I stirred in rice and Cajun seasoning, coating each grain well.
I poured in chicken broth, brought it to a simmer, then nestled the chicken back into the rice.
I covered and reduced the heat, letting it cook until the rice absorbed the liquid and the chicken cooked through.
I stirred in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce.
I topped the chicken with shredded mozzarella (or cheddar), covered briefly until it melted.
Finally, I tasted and adjusted seasoning before serving.

Servings and timing

I usually make this for 4 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking around 25–30 minutes—so it’s dinner-ready in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp or turkey sausage for a twist.
I’ve replaced heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter feel.
If I want more heat, I sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños.
For a low-carb version, I serve the chicken over cauliflower rice instead.
I occasionally stir in spinach or kale at the end for added greens.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. In the microwave, I heat in short bursts with a bit of liquid and stir between intervals.

FAQs

How can I make this gluten‑free?

I simply confirm my Cajun seasoning is gluten‑free and use gluten‑free chicken broth and rice—no other ingredients contain gluten.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes—I’d increase the broth and cooking time (about 15 extra minutes) since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

I often use half‑and‑half or milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch for thickening in place of heavy cream.

Is this dish freezer‑friendly?

Definitely—I freeze in single portions. When reheating, I thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm to retain texture.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I cook the rice partially, refrigerate, then finish it and melt the cheese just before serving for fresh, flavorful results.

Conclusion

I love how this dish delivers creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors all in one skillet. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and versatile—perfect for busy nights or when I want to impress with minimal effort. I hope it becomes a staple at your table, just like it is in mine!