Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also delivers a comforting, creamy texture that’s perfect for satisfying hungry family members after a long day. With its bold seasonings and customizable ingredients, Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice makes for an excellent choice for any busy weeknight.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 540
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fat: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg

Why Make Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a fantastic dish that balances flavor and nutrition. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and has a rich, creamy base that many love. You can also adapt it to your tastes, whether you want it spicier or milder. This recipe allows for variety, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Step by Step

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear until golden, then remove.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
3. Stir rice into the skillet to coat with aromatics.
4. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until heated through.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

For a full meal experience, serve Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread. You could also pair it with steamed vegetables for a well-rounded plate. A drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra kick for those who enjoy some heat.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Store any leftovers of Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. You can also freeze this dish for up to three months; just make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in the freezer.

Expert Tips for Cooking Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

• Use fresh Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or coconut milk if you want a healthier version.
• Add in your favorite veggies such as spinach or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile.
• For extra protein, consider including shrimp or sausage along with the chicken.
• Make sure not to rush the simmering process; allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors is key to a delicious dish.

Delicious Variations of Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

If you want to mix things up, consider making a spicy version by increasing the Cajun seasoning or adding diced jalapeños. You could also try an herbed Cajun Chicken & Rice by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresher taste. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream as alternatives.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios as brown rice generally takes longer to cook.

Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is perfect for meal prep and reheats well.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can easily add more Cajun seasoning or additional spicy ingredients to elevate the heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a must-try recipe that effortlessly combines creamy goodness with vibrant Cajun flavors. Its straightforward process makes it a weekday favorite, while the room for customization ensures it remains a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to give this dish a go—you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

A delightful dish bringing the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table, with a comforting creamy texture perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Comfort Food

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Use fresh for maximum flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice Can substitute with brown rice, adjust cooking time.
• 4 cups chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear until golden, then remove.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
4. Stir rice into the skillet to coat with aromatics.
5. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until heated through.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread. This dish is also suitable for meal prep and can be reheated easily. For added flavors, consider using hot sauce when serving.