Cajun Chicken Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (Halved lengthwise and pounded to an even thickness)
• salt (To taste, for seasoning the chicken)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp oregano (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (For the chicken)
• 2 tbsp oil (For cooking the chicken)
• 2 tbsp fresh garlic (Finely minced; for the sauce)
• 0.25 cup red onion (Finely diced)
• 0.333 cup red bell peppers (Finely diced)
• 2 tbsp butter (For the creamy Cajun sauce)
• 1 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream (For the sauce)
• salt (To taste, for the sauce)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the sauce)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (For the sauce)
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (For finishing the sauce)
• 0.333 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated; for the sauce)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (Softened; for the garlic butter compound)
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic (Finely minced; for the garlic butter)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Finely chopped; for the garlic butter)
• 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated; for the garlic butter)
• 1 loaf Italian bread (Halved lengthwise)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (For topping)
• fresh parsley (For garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the halved, pounded chicken breasts with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, dried thyme, and salt.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through.

3. 3

   Transfer the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice it after resting.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, melt the butter for the sauce.

5. 5

   Add the minced garlic, diced red onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

6. 6

   Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add the black pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

7. 7

   Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted into the sauce, then finish with the lemon juice.

9. 9

   Mix the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese to make the garlic butter compound.

10. 10

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).

11. 11

    Spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the Italian bread. Bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly toasted.

12. 12

    Spoon some of the creamy Cajun sauce over the toasted bread.

13. 13

    Top the bread with the mozzarella cheese and sliced chicken, then finish with more Cajun sauce.

14. 14

    Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

15. 15

    If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes to further brown the cheese.

16. 16

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

The source does not specify the chicken's final internal temperature or the exact amount of sauce used at each layering stage. Broiling is optional.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• American
• Cajun-inspired
• garlic bread
• chicken
• cheesy
• oven-baked
• spicy