Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe
Cajun chicken and cheesy grits is a flavorful Southern dish that combines tender, spicy chicken with creamy, cheesy grits for a comforting meal that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and hearty texture.
1. Introduction to Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits
Originating from the Cajun and Creole cuisine of Louisiana, Cajun chicken and cheesy grits is a dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the American South. It brings together classic ingredients like chicken, Cajun seasoning, grits, and cheese to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Cajun chicken and cheesy grits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken
Cajun Seasoning
Grits
Cheese
Vegetables
3. Preparing the Cajun Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken in Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend using spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Once marinated, you can cook the chicken using your preferred method, whether it’s grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
4. Cooking Cheesy Grits
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the cheesy grits. Choose your favorite type of grits, whether it’s stone-ground or instant, and cook them according to the package instructions. Once the grits are cooked, stir in grated cheese until it’s melted and creamy. You can use any type of cheese you like, but cheddar or pepper jack works particularly well with the spicy Cajun flavors.
5. Serving Suggestions
To serve Cajun chicken and cheesy grits, spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits onto a plate or bowl and top it with slices of Cajun-spiced chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve alongside your favorite vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
6. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. If you like things extra spicy, you can add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade. For a vegetarian version, you can swap out the chicken for grilled or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
7. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Cajun chicken and cheesy grits turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quicker cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Stir the grits frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté diced onions and bell peppers to add to the cheesy grits.
8. Health Benefits of Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits
While Cajun chicken and cheesy grits may not be the healthiest dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein, while grits provide carbohydrates for energy. Plus, the addition of cheese adds calcium and other essential nutrients to the dish.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Cajun chicken and cheesy grits is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a cozy dinner, this flavorful dish is sure to please. With its bold Cajun spices, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, it’s a Southern classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- How long should I marinate the chicken for?
- What can I serve with Cajun chicken and cheesy grits?
- Can I make the cheesy grits ahead of time?
- Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Source: thetoastykitchen.com
Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe
Cajun chicken and cheesy grits is a flavorful Southern dish that combines tender, spicy chicken with creamy, cheesy grits for a comforting meal that's perfect any time of day. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and hearty texture.
Cajun chicken
- 2 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1.5 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
Cheesy grits
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- hot sauce (to taste)
Cajun chicken
- Carefully slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin pieces (as if you were butterflying them, but continue slicing all the way through). Pat chicken dry on all sides with a paper towel – this helps the breading adhere. Season chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk egg. In a second shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Place one piece of chicken into the egg mixture, flip to coat, then pick up and gently shake to remove any excess. Next, place chicken into breading mixture, flipping to coat. Use your hands to gently pat breading into the egg mixture. Gently shake to remove any excess and place breaded chicken onto a plate. Repeat with each chicken breast.
- *At this point, I recommend starting your grits. When your grits are about halfway through cooking, begin frying your chicken.
- In a pan over medium heat, add oil. When hot, add breaded chicken, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to cook in 2 batches). Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, OR until breading is golden brown and chicken lifts easily from the pan. Transfer to a plate and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Cheesy grits
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add milk, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the grits.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, whisking frequently. If grits begin to stick to pan, reduce heat and add a splash of water. Grits should be creamy and thick with no rough texture when they're done cooking.
- Remove from heat and add pepper, butter, and shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Portion into bowls and top with sliced chicken and hot sauce to taste. Serve immediately.
- To prevent breading from falling off your chicken: make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry before beginning. Shake off any excess egg and bread crumbs. When cooking, resist the urge to nudge your chicken around or move it prematurely. When your chicken is ready to be flipped, it will release easily from the pan.
- To ensure your chicken is cooked through, I suggest using a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked through when an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached at the thickest part of the meat.
- Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.