Spicy Cajun Chicken & Creamy Grits: Soulful Recipe

Sizzling spices dance across tender cajun chicken that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Southern comfort meets bold, zesty seasoning in this irresistible dish.

Creamy, rich cheesy grits provide the perfect canvas for the spicy protein centerpiece.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that transport you straight to Louisiana’s vibrant culinary landscape.

The recipe blends robust seasonings with smooth, melted cheese for an unforgettable meal.

Packed with authentic Southern charm, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Get ready to savor a culinary adventure that celebrates the heart of cajun cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 30min

Total Time: 40min

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits: Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best texture.
• Egg: Helps breading adhere perfectly, select farm-fresh eggs for richer binding.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy, light coating, look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers bold, spicy flavor profile, select authentic blend for genuine southern taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth, choose high-quality powder without clumping.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall chicken flavor, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Milk: Provides creamy foundation, whole milk ensures richest texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory undertone, low-sodium versions recommended for better control.
• Grits: Classic southern staple, stone-ground varieties offer superior texture and flavor.

• Butter: Enriches creamy consistency, unsalted preferred for precise seasoning.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts smoothly creating luxurious texture, sharp cheddar recommended.
• Hot Sauce: Provides optional heat and tang, choose Louisiana-style sauce for authentic kick.
• Vegetable Oil: Enables perfect golden frying, use neutral oil with high smoke point.

Cooking Tools for Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking crispy chicken evenly.
• Shallow bowls (2): One for egg mixture, another for breading.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing egg and combining breading ingredients smoothly.
• Paper towels: Helps dry chicken for better breading.
• Cutting board: For slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Saucepan: Ideal for cooking creamy grits.
• Cheese grater: For shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken after cooking.
• Measuring cups/spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or tongs: Great for flipping and moving chicken in the pan.

Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits: Cooking Directions

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into thin, even pieces. Pat dry with paper towel and season with spices.

• Breading Station

Create two bowls: one with beaten egg, another with seasoned breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece completely, pressing breading firmly.

• Cooking Technique

Heat oil in skillet over medium flame. Carefully place breaded chicken in pan, ensuring space between pieces. Cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Grits Foundation

Combine liquid and salt in saucepan. Gradually add grits, stirring consistently while cooking over gentle heat.

• Creamy Cheese Finish

Remove grits from heat. Fold in butter and cheese until smooth and luxurious. Stir until ingredients meld together perfectly.

• Plating Magic

Spoon creamy grits into serving bowls. Top with sliced crispy chicken. Drizzle with hot sauce for extra kick. Serve immediately while everything remains warm and inviting.

Tips for Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Perfection

• Experiment with different bread crumb types like cornflake crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor variation.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to make the dish mild or fiery hot, depending on your personal heat tolerance and preference.
• Replace cheddar with pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles in the cheesy grits base.
• Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or pork tenderloin for a delicious twist on the original recipe, keeping the same breading technique.
• Prepare the breaded chicken and grits mixture ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator to speed up dinner preparation on busy evenings.

Plating Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

• Rustic Southern Comfort Plating: Arrange the creamy, golden grits as a luscious base, strategically placing the crispy Cajun chicken strips on top for a stunning visual contrast that screams homestyle cooking.
• Spicy Flavor Boost: Drizzle extra hot sauce around the edges of the dish or provide small ramekins of additional Cajun seasoning, allowing diners to customize their heat level and enhance the meal's zesty profile.
• Fresh Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the chicken and grits to add a pop of color, brightness, and subtle herbal notes that complement the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.
• Wine and Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold craft beer with hoppy undertones to balance the dish's spicy and creamy elements, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Storing Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook chicken and grits in larger batches during weekend meal preparation, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerated portions remain fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Bread chicken and freeze uncooked pieces between parchment paper layers inside sealed freezer bags. Grits can be frozen flat in containers, lasting up to one month without quality loss.
• Ingredient Rotation Technique: Mix variations by swapping Cajun seasoning with different spice blends or cheese types. Consider monterey jack, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar for exciting flavor transformations.
• Temperature Management Tip: Always reheat chicken at 350°F in oven to maintain crispy breading. Warm grits slowly with additional liquid, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.

Spicy Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty skillet of cajun chicken and cheesy grits combines Southern comfort with spicy Creole flair. Peppers, garlic, and bold seasonings create a robust meal guaranteed to satisfy hungry diners and spark culinary excitement.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (large, boneless, skinless)
• 1.5 tsps Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg (large)
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) canola or vegetable oil
• 2 cups (480 mL) whole milk
• 2 cups (480 mL) chicken broth
• 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 0.25 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 oz (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Hot sauce (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin, uniform pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior.
2. Breading Setup: Establish two stations – one with whisked egg, another with panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Dip chicken into egg wash, then coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to create an even layer.
3. Skillet Cooking: Heat oil in a skillet over medium temperature until shimmering. Carefully place breaded chicken in the pan, maintaining spacing to prevent overcrowding. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and fully cooked, allowing each piece to release naturally from the pan surface.
4. Chicken Resting: Let cooked chicken rest briefly, then slice into thin strips to preserve moisture and distribute juices evenly.
5. Grits Foundation: Combine milk, chicken broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain a smooth texture.
6. Grits Finishing: Cook for approximately 20 minutes, adding water if needed to maintain creaminess. Remove from heat and blend in butter, pepper, and shredded cheese until fully melted and integrated.
7. Plating: Spread creamy grits on plates, top with sliced Cajun chicken, and offer hot sauce on the side for personalized heat. Serve immediately while components remain warm.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust that doesn’t become soggy.
• Seasoning Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create an even, adherent coating that locks in flavor and provides maximum crunch.
• Temperature Control: Use medium heat when frying chicken to ensure even cooking without burning the exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Cheese and Grits Tip: Add cheese after removing grits from heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg