Name: Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 large egg; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil); 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant); 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); Hot sauce (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for a flavor-packed journey to the South with this irresistible Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits recipe! Picture juicy, golden chicken with a crispy Cajun crust, perched on a cloud of ultra-creamy cheddar grits—all crowned with a few droplets of hot sauce for extra kick. The blend of bold spices, the warmth of melted cheese, and the satisfying crunch of panko create a dish that’s both comforting and downright crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or treating friends to a taste of Southern comfort, Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits is your ticket to a meal everyone will remember.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits lies in its honest ingredients—every item plays a starring role, from the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning to the creamy richness of sharp cheddar. Simple, but carefully chosen, these ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and irresistible texture.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced thin for the perfect ratio of crispy coating to juicy center.
Salt and pepper: Essential basics for seasoning both the chicken and the grits, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Egg: Acts as the perfect glue, helping all that crunchy panko and spice mixture cling tightly to the chicken.
Panko bread crumbs: They crisp up beautifully when pan-fried, adding the crunch that makes this chicken irresistible.
Cajun seasoning: The soul of the dish—spicy, zesty, and a must for that classic Southern punch.
Garlic powder: Provides background warmth and a tiny hint of savory depth.
Canola oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for crisping up the chicken without overwhelming other tastes.
Whole milk: Lends creaminess and richness to the grits; don’t skimp for best results.
Chicken broth: Adds savory undertones to the grits, infusing them with extra flavor.
Stone ground grits: Choose these over instant for authentic Southern texture and creaminess.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the grits for next-level silkiness and depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The ultimate comfort cheese, its bite and meltiness make the grits sing.
Hot sauce: A finishing touch; add as much or as little as you like to personalize your plate.

How to Make Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and carefully slicing each one in half lengthwise, as if you’re butterflying but going all the way through. This will give you four thinner pieces, ideal for getting just the right crunch-to-juiciness ratio once cooked. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to helping the flavorful breading stick. Sprinkle the pieces evenly with salt and pepper to season them from the inside out.

Step 2: Make the Crunchy Cajun Breading

Now it’s time to set up your breading station! In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well blended. In a second bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. The combination of panko and Cajun spices is what gives the chicken its signature crust—crispy, golden, and deeply flavorful.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated on all sides, then lift and let any excess drip off. Next, lay the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so every nook and cranny is covered. Shake off the extra crumbs and set each breaded piece on a plate. Repeat until all four pieces are ready for the skillet.

Step 4: Start the Cheesy Grits

This is a great time to kick off your grits. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, chicken broth, and salt over medium heat. Bring this up just to a simmer—it’s important not to let it boil over. Once simmering, slowly whisk in the stone ground grits. Whisking helps break up any clumps and ensures a creamy final result. Reduce the heat and let them gently bubble, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Pan-Fry the Cajun Chicken

By now your grits should be a little over halfway done. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot (test it by dropping in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately), add your chicken. Be careful not to overcrowd; you may need to work in two batches to keep that crust extra crispy. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until the breading is gloriously golden and the chicken releases easily from the pan. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps the juices where they belong.

Step 6: Finish the Cheesy Grits

Once the grits are thick and creamy (about 20 minutes), remove from the heat. Fold in the pepper, unsalted butter, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and the grits are impossibly smooth and cheesy. Ladle into bowls while piping hot.

Step 7: Plate, Top, and Enjoy!

Arrange your sliced Cajun chicken atop each bowl of ultra-creamy cheesy grits. Drizzle with as much hot sauce as you like for that signature Southern zing. Serve immediately, while everything is fresh and the cheese is still perfectly gooey.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

Garnishes

For an extra dash of color and flavor, top your Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning. Want a little crunch? Try a few toasted pecans or crispy fried shallots on top for a fun Southern twist.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but for a true feast, pair it with a simple sautéed garlicky green bean medley or a refreshing tomato cucumber salad. A light slaw with citrus vinaigrette works beautifully to cut through the creaminess of the grits.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic dinner party effect, serve Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits in individual ramekins for easy portioning and an upscale look. Or, try piling everything onto a big platter as a rustic “family style” centerpiece. If you’re aiming for brunch, even mini mason jars will wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits can be a lifesaver for quick weekday meals. Store the chicken and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days—this way, each keeps its best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cheesy grits, keep in mind that their texture may change slightly upon reheating (a splash of milk helps revive them). The Cajun chicken, preferably unsliced, freezes well for up to a month. Let everything cool completely before freezing in separate containers or freezer bags.

Reheating

To bring your Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits back to life, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven until heated through and the crust crisps up again. Grits are best reheated gently on the stovetop with a little milk or broth stirred in until creamy. Reassemble just before serving and finish with fresh hot sauce!

FAQs

Can I use instant grits instead of stone ground?

While instant grits work in a pinch, stone ground grits give you that authentic, rustic texture and a much deeper flavor. If you must use instant, reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on texture.

Is Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits spicy?

The heat level largely depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much hot sauce you use at the end. For a mild kick, stick with the recipe as written; for extra fire, increase the Cajun spice or splash on more hot sauce.

What is the best cheese for cheesy grits?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits, offering big flavor and perfect meltiness. Feel free to experiment with smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a blend for a twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap regular panko breadcrumbs for the gluten-free version and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Your chicken is ready when the crust is deeply golden and the meat is no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits a try the next time you need an extra-special dinner and want to treat yourself and your favorite people to a little Southern comfort. The combination of zesty, crisp chicken and rich, cheesy grits is simply unforgettable—once you taste it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular kitchen lineup!

Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a comforting Southern favorite with this Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits recipe. Tender, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy grits for a delicious meal that’s sure to please.

Instructions

Cajun Chicken – Carefully slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper. Bread the chicken by dipping in egg, then coating with a mixture of bread crumbs, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Fry in oil until golden brown.
Cheesy Grits – In a saucepan, simmer milk, chicken broth, and salt. Whisk in grits and cook until creamy. Stir in pepper, butter, and cheese until melted. Serve grits topped with sliced chicken and hot sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Southern