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 creamy Cajun sauce)
• 0.25 cup red onion (Finely diced)
• 0.333 cup red bell pepper (Finely diced)
• 2 tbsp butter (For the creamy Cajun sauce)
• 1 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream (For the creamy Cajun sauce)
• salt (To taste, for the sauce)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (For the sauce)
• 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 compound)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Finely chopped, for the garlic butter compound)
• 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated, for the garlic butter compound)
• 1 loaf Italian bread (Halved lengthwise)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (For topping)
• fresh parsley (For garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken evenly 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 creamy Cajun 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, then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted. Finish the sauce with the lemon juice.

8. 8

   In a separate bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan to make the garlic butter compound.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the garlic butter over the cut sides of the Italian bread.

10. 10

    Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly toasted.

11. 11

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

12. 12

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

13. 13

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

14. 14

    Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired.

15. 15

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

The source does not specify the chicken's final internal temperature; cook until cooked through. Broiling is optional. The quantity of parsley for garnish is not specified.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• appetizer
• Cajun-inspired
• garlic bread
• chicken
• cheesy
• baked
• spicy