Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
A comforting, easy, and fast dinner recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick of Cajun flavor, served over fluffy white rice.
Equipment
- Pan For searing and making the sauce
- Wooden spoon For scraping up browned bits
Ingredients
Hauptzutaten
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- Cajun seasoning to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 servings worth Cooked white rice enough for 4 servings
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning and other spices on the chicken. Season the sauce too.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary for a good sear.
- Scrape Up Browned Bits: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful bits from the pan after cooking the chicken.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before adding chicken back in and adjust seasoning. Substitutions & Additions:
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sausage (like Andouille).
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, or wilt spinach.
- Make it Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Different Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack could work but may change texture.
- Rice Alternatives: Serve over brown rice, pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Storage:
- Store Creamy Cajun Chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning and other spices on the chicken. Season the sauce too.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary for a good sear.
- Scrape Up Browned Bits: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful bits from the pan after cooking the chicken.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before adding chicken back in and adjust seasoning. Substitutions & Additions:
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sausage (like Andouille).
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, or wilt spinach.
- Make it Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Different Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack could work but may change texture.
- Rice Alternatives: Serve over brown rice, pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Storage:
- Store Creamy Cajun Chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.