Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Cajun Butter Rice

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cajun Butter Rice:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

4 tbsp butter

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.⁠ ⁠Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2.⁠ ⁠Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

3.⁠ ⁠Add Garlic and Parmesan: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts.

4.⁠ ⁠Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5.⁠ ⁠Prepare the Rice: While chicken is baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

6.⁠ ⁠Cook the Rice: Add rice to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

7.⁠ ⁠Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, butter, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy.

8.⁠ ⁠Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9.⁠ ⁠Serve: Serve the golden garlic Parmesan chicken over the creamy Cajun butter rice. Spoon extra rice sauce over the chicken.