Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun garlic butter chicken with cheddar is the perfect recipe for anyone who craves bold flavors and rich comfort. Juicy chicken is seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce that infuses every bite with smoky heat and savory depth. To make it even more indulgent, melted cheddar cheese blankets the chicken, creating a gooey, creamy finish. This dish combines the best of Southern spice with classic comfort food, making it versatile enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for entertaining. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dinner that satisfies both spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts. It’s a one-skillet recipe that keeps things simple while delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheddar – Bold, Cheesy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheddar is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with Cajun spices, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a spicy, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
The protein base of the dish; breasts offer lean meat, while thighs remain juicy and flavorful.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and create a golden crust.
Butter
Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
Garlic cloves
Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Cajun seasoning
A spicy, smoky blend that coats the chicken and flavors the sauce.
Paprika
Enhances color and adds extra depth to the seasoning.
Salt and black pepper
Balance and highlight the bold spices.
Cheddar cheese
Melted over the chicken for a creamy, indulgent finish.
Heavy cream (optional)
Adds extra richness to the sauce for a creamier consistency.
Fresh parsley
Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color.
Directions
Pat chicken dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and, if desired, a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter over the pieces.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey topping. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking requires 20 minutes. The dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the chicken to dry out and the cheese to separate. Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Cheddar Blend
Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for a more complex cheesy topping.
Creamy Cajun Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan for a rich, saucy version to serve over pasta.
Lemon Garlic Cajun Chicken
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the bold flavors.
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of starchy sides.
Stuffed Cajun Chicken
Slice pockets into chicken breasts and stuff with cheese before cooking.
Bacon Cheddar Cajun Chicken
Top with crispy bacon before melting the cheese for an indulgent twist.
Herbed Version
Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter for added fragrance.
Grilled Cajun Chicken
Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing, then finish with garlic butter and cheese.
One-Pot Cajun Pasta
Serve the cheesy Cajun chicken over cooked pasta tossed in the garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best?
Both breasts and thighs work—breasts are leaner, thighs stay juicier.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but adjust salt levels since some blends are quite salty.
Do I have to use cheddar?
No, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses also work well.
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 375°F until cooked through, then top with garlic butter and cheddar.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it over medium-low heat and stir constantly once butter is added.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on the Cajun seasoning—adjust to taste.
Conclusion
Cajun garlic butter chicken with cheddar is a bold, cheesy, and satisfying recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful feast. With juicy chicken, smoky Cajun spices, rich garlic butter, and gooey cheddar, this dish offers the perfect blend of heat, comfort, and indulgence. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to whenever you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.