Easy Homemade Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice (Comforting, Healthy & Traditional)

The first time I made Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice, my kitchen smelled like a cozy Sunday supper — warm garlic, bubbling butter, and just enough spice to make everyone lean in for a second helping. This is one of those “comfort made smart” recipes I turn to on busy weeknights, for relaxed Sunday family meals, or when I want something a little special for holidays without fuss. Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice is a crowd-pleasing, easy homemade dinner that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week.

🧂 Ingredients:

Serves: 4

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz / 170–200 g each)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Oven temp: 400°F (200°C)

For the Creamy Cajun Butter Rice:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Directions

Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and lightly pound to even thickness if needed. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. (Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed.)
Add garlic & Parmesan: Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken to the side, add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over each breast.
Bake until cooked through: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Start the rice while chicken bakes: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–60 seconds.
Toast rice and simmer: Add 1 cup rice to the onion mixture and stir 1 minute. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Make it creamy & Cajun: Remove rice from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until butter melts and mixture is creamy.
Add cheese and finish: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If rice is too thick, loosen with a splash of broth.
Plate & serve: Spoon creamy Cajun butter rice onto plates, top with sliced Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken, and spoon extra rice sauce over the chicken. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve immediately.

💡 Tips & Variations

Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking — it keeps the juices in and the meat tender.
Short on time? Use boneless skinless chicken thighs (cook times similar and often juicier).
Low-carb swap: Serve the garlic parmesan chicken over cauliflower rice—sauté cauliflower rice with onion, garlic, and a splash of cream for richness.
Vegan option: Replace chicken with thick tofu steaks (press, season, sear) and use vegan butter, coconut cream or cashew cream, and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the rice. Use a vegan “Parmesan” sprinkle.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are certified GF — always check labels.
Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt (stir yogurt in off the heat to avoid curdling). Use 1–2 tbsp olive oil instead of butter for the chicken sear.
Make-ahead & storage: Refrigerate chicken and rice separately for up to 3–4 days. Reheat rice on stovetop with a splash of broth or in microwave with a tablespoon of water to restore creaminess. Freeze rice and chicken in airtight containers up to 2 months (texture of creamier rice may change slightly—stir well when reheating).
Serving ideas: Add a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic green beans. Pair with a light white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) or a citrusy sparkling water.
Tip for even cooking: If breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally or pound gently to about 1-inch thickness for faster, even cooking.

🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in

This dish delivers a good hit of lean protein from chicken and satisfying fats from butter and cheese — perfect for keeping you full and energized. Choose reduced-fat dairy or increase the veggie sides to boost fiber and lower overall calories. Cooking hearty, homemade meals like this regularly can help you manage your nutrition and may contribute to long-term wellness — and, indirectly, fewer health costs down the road by encouraging healthier habits.

Conclusion

If you try this Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice, I’d love to see your photos or hear how you made it your own — drop a comment or tag me on social. Cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple — this recipe has become a go-to in my home and I hope it finds a spot on your table too. Enjoy!

#fblifestyle #rezepte #DDR #Hydration #Gesundheit