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CHEESY CAJUN CHICKEN & RICE BAKE WITH GARLIC BUTTER DRIZZLE

CHEESY CAJUN CHICKEN & RICE BAKE WITH GARLIC BUTTER DRIZZLE

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

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

Find it online: https://easysweetmeal.com/cheesy-cajun-chicken-rice-bake-with-garlic-butter-drizzle/