Smoked Paprika Chicken Recipe

If there’s one Southern-inspired comfort dish that always brings big flavor and bigger smiles, it’s Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits. Imagine ultra-crispy, golden Cajun chicken, sliced and nested over a bed of impossibly creamy, cheddar-laced grits—every bite delivering that bold, spiced-up punch you crave and the kind of warmth that feels like home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you can create Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits that tastes like you went all out. Every ingredient here plays a specific role, from building that delightfully crunchy chicken crust to making the grits ultra-velvety and irresistible.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Slicing them thin keeps things juicy inside and super-crispy outside—exactly what you want.
• Salt & pepper: The foundation for seasoning, to enhance all the underlying flavors.
• Egg: Acts as a sticky “glue” so all those breadcrumbs cling tightly to the chicken.
• Panko bread crumbs: The secret behind that crisp, shattering crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko takes it over the top.
• Cajun seasoning: This blend brings the smoky, spicy heartbeat of the dish. Store-bought is great, or mix up your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Garlic powder: Adds delicious depth and aroma to the breading.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Just enough to shallow-fry, delivering that golden crust without deep frying.
• Whole milk & chicken broth: Using both makes your grits extra creamy, with a lovely savory backbone.
• Stone ground grits (not instant): These give the best texture—rich, pleasantly coarse, and so satisfying.
• Unsalted butter: Swirled in at the end for silkiness and richness.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts right into the grits, creating gooey ribbons of cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
• Hot sauce (to taste): For a final dash of zing, bringing the whole bowl to life!

Variations

Don’t be shy about making Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits your own! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—whether you’re switching up flavors, going meatless, or simply using what you have on hand, it welcomes experimentation.

• Spicy Shrimp & Grits: Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning—cook them quickly in a hot pan for an equally craveable twist.
• Vegetarian Makeover: Replace the chicken with crispy breaded tofu, portobello mushroom slices, or even oven-roasted cauliflower for a meatless but still bold option.
• Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a blend to put your own spin on the cheesy grits.
• Extra Heat: If you love it fiery, add cayenne pepper to your Cajun seasoning mix or swirl extra hot sauce into the grits.

How to Make Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

Step 1: Prep and Bread the Chicken

Start by carefully slicing each chicken breast in half (as if you were butterflying, but all the way through). This gives you four thin, even cutlets that cook up beautifully. Pat the chicken dry—this step is key for getting the breading to cling! Season both sides with salt and pepper and set aside. In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg. In a second, mix your panko breadcrumbs, vibrant Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder together. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat every inch. Lay the breaded chicken on a plate so it’s ready for frying.

Step 2: Start the Cheesy Grits

While your chicken rests, get your grits started—this way, everything finishes together! Bring milk and chicken broth to a simmer in a saucepan, then whisk in your stone ground grits and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat and let them gently bubble, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. The grits will slowly thicken and soften—your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Fry the Cajun Chicken

Pour oil into your skillet and heat over medium. Once shimmering, add the breaded chicken (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until golden brown and crispy. There’s something irresistible about the sizzle and the way that Cajun breading turns perfectly crunchy! Transfer the fried chicken to a plate and let it rest for a couple minutes, which helps keep everything juicy.

Step 4: Finish the Cheesy Grits

As the chicken is resting, turn off the heat for your grits and swirl in butter, pepper, and all that shredded cheddar. Stir until totally smooth and creamy—this is where ordinary grits become pure comfort food! Taste and add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick, or keep it mellow if you prefer.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Ladle the steaming cheesy grits into bowls, top with slices of crisp Cajun chicken, and add your favorite garnishes. This is your moment—grab a spoon and enjoy the ultimate bowl of Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits goodness!

How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or chives brightens up each bowl, adding color and herbal freshness that beautifully balances the richness. For an extra Southern touch, a dash more Cajun seasoning or a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce right before serving really brings out the dish’s personality.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple—Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits is already the star! But if you want something extra, serve with sautéed greens (like collards, kale, or spinach), a crisp side salad, or even some spicy pickled okra to add crunch and zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, pile the cheesy grits in a large shallow bowl and fan out crispy chicken strips on top, then drizzle with hot sauce and scatter fresh herbs. If you’re hosting brunch, serve the chicken over grits in individual mugs or small cast iron skillets for a rustic, Southern-inspired look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits in separate airtight containers in the fridge, ideally within two hours of making. The chicken’s breading stays crispier when kept away from the grits until it’s time to reheat and serve again.

Freezing

The chicken freezes well—slice it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Grits can also be frozen, though their texture may change a bit after thawing; store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out excess air before sealing.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven until hot and crisp (about 10-12 minutes) or give it a quick turn in the air fryer. For grits, gently warm them on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, whisking to restore their smooth, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you up in comfort and delivers bold Southern flavor, Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits is that meal. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions—so gather your favorite people, get cooking, and make mealtime extra memorable!

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