This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze, and can be ready in under 30 minutes. The Cajun seasoning delivers just the right amount of heat, while the cream sauce mellows everything out for a perfectly balanced bite. Plus, it’s versatile — you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts Cajun seasoning olive oil butter garlic chicken broth heavy cream Parmesan cheese salt black pepper fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
Simmer for a couple more minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Add sliced bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and color.
Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use boneless thighs for a juicier result.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then reheat together just before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by using more or less seasoning.
What should I serve with Creamy Cajun Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely, though you can also make your own blend if you prefer to control the spice level and salt content.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and no longer be pink in the center.
Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the sauce may separate slightly when reheated.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions that cook quickly in the same pan.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. With a rich, spicy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or with a side of veggies, it brings bold flavors and comforting textures to the table every time
Creamy Cajun Chicken is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, spiced cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
Simmer for a couple more minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.Add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
