Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served atop rich, creamy Parmesan grits. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and rest covered.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the cooked grits until cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the Cajun-spiced chicken over the creamy Parmesan grits and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Grits?

Southern American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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