IRRESISTIBLE CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN

Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with a kick of authentic Cajun spice; it’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe delivers all that and more, transforming your weeknight dinner routine into a culinary adventure. Get ready to create a dish so delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Cajun Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• Bell Peppers: 1/2, sliced
• Mushrooms: 4 ounces, sliced
• Spinach: 2 cups, fresh

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep

Before we dive into the creamy, spicy goodness, let’s make sure our chicken is prepped for success. This is a super important step to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Pounding the Chicken

Sometimes chicken breasts can be uneven in thickness, leading to some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked. The solution? Pounding them to an even thickness! Place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap (this prevents splattering and tearing). Use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin to gently pound them until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and quickly.

Seasoning Like a Pro

Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning! Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with it. Massage it in a little so it really adheres. This is where the flavor magic happens, so make sure every inch is covered. Remember, you can always adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste, but I find 2 tablespoons gives a perfect kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season generously with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring both sides are well coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Cajun seasoning can be salty, so taste before adding more salt.
6. Optional Add-Ins: If using bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, add them to the sauce during the simmering process. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Bringing it all Together:

1. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
2. Combine: Add the sliced chicken to the creamy Cajun sauce and gently toss to coat.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken

Spice Level Adjustment

Cajun seasoning can vary in heat levels. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, look for a mild Cajun seasoning blend or add a pinch of brown sugar to the sauce to balance the heat.

Cream Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Chicken Doneness

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cajun Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta, like penne, fettuccine, or linguine. For a truly indulgent experience, try it with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• In a Sandwich: Use the chicken and sauce as a filling for a delicious sandwich or wrap.
• As a Topping: Spoon it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Variations to Try

Seafood Sensation

Swap the chicken for shrimp or crawfish for a delicious seafood twist. Add the seafood to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, until it’s pink and cooked through.

Vegetarian Delight

Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. Sauté the tofu or chickpeas until golden brown before adding them to the sauce.

One-Pan Wonder

For an even easier clean-up, try making it a one-pan meal! Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery to the skillet along with the onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Looking for other ways to enjoy that Cajun flavor? You might also love Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. Or, if you’re in the mood for something heartier, check out Cajun Steak Tips In Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan Bake. For a fun twist on a classic, try Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. And don’t forget about soup season! Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Cajun Potato Soup or Cajun Chicken Soup.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the chicken dry.

Now It’s Your Turn!

There you have it! Creamy Cajun Chicken, a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, and serve it with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken

Alice Yowell

This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts in a rich, spicy Cajun sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
• Plastic Wrap
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Spatula
• Plate
• Foil

Ingredients

  

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning for chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for sauce
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Season the chicken breasts generously with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning on both sides.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened.
• Stir in the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
• Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
• Add the sliced chicken to the creamy Cajun sauce and gently toss to coat.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.