This Cheesy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bake is a bold, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, creamy seasoned rice, and a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. A buttery garlic drizzle finishes this baked casserole with mouthwatering flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. Packed with Cajun spice and melty cheese, it’s everything you crave in a hearty, Southern-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with bold Cajun flavors
Extra cheesy with both cheddar and mozzarella
Creamy rice cooked right in the skillet
Finished with a savory garlic butter drizzle
Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners

Ingredients Breakdown

Protein & Spice:

Chicken Breasts (2, boneless & skinless, diced):
Juicy and tender, seasoned with Cajun flavors for a spicy kick.
Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Smoked Paprika (½ tsp):
Brings smoky, zesty, and bold Louisiana-style flavor to the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste):
Enhances overall flavor and balances the spice.

Rice & Liquid Base:

Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup):
Absorbs the rich broth and cream for a fluffy, flavorful base.
Chicken Broth (1½ cups):
Adds savory depth while cooking the rice.
Heavy Cream (1 cup):
Provides a creamy, indulgent texture.

Cheeses:

Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded):
Delivers a bold, sharp cheese flavor that melts beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, shredded):
Adds gooey, stretchy texture and balances cheddar’s sharpness.

Garlic Butter Drizzle:

Olive Oil (2 tbsp):
Used to sauté and brown the chicken.
Butter (2 tbsp) & Garlic (4 cloves, minced):
Sautéed together to create a rich garlic butter topping that enhances the entire dish.

Finishing Touch:

Fresh Parsley (chopped):
Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the rice: Pull it off the heat once it’s just tender to avoid mushiness.
Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or shred fresh cheese for better melt.
Adjust spice level by reducing Cajun seasoning or skipping paprika for a milder flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.

Variations and Customizations

Swap the protein: Use cooked sausage or shrimp instead of chicken.
Add veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or spinach blend well with the flavors.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Go low-carb: Substitute cooked cauliflower rice and reduce the cream slightly.

Pairing Suggestions

Side salad: Try a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Bread: Serve with warm cornbread or garlic knots.
Drink: Sweet iced tea, sparkling water, or a cold light beer.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of cream or reheat in the oven covered at 350°F.

CHEESY CAJUN CHICKEN & RICE BAKE WITH GARLIC BUTTER DRIZZLE

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Satisfy your cravings with this creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Cajun Chicken & Rice Casserole, topped with a rich garlic butter drizzle. This easy one-pan recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that brings bold Southern flavors to your table without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
1½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Rice

In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
Bring to a simmer, then stir in 1 cup rice.
Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Stir the cooked chicken back into the rice.
Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, mixing until melted and evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Drizzle

In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Drizzle evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Notes

For best results, use freshly minced garlic for the drizzle.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
This dish is kid-friendly, easy to customize, and ideal for leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American