Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

A rich, flavorful one-pan meal loaded with tender chicken, creamy seasoned rice, and bold Cajun spices. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal — super easy and mess-free
• Creamy, bold Cajun flavor that’s cozy and satisfying
• Customizable spice level
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Perfect leftovers — reheats beautifully
• Works with chicken thighs or breasts

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Rice & Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Season & Cook the Chicken

• Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and sear until golden on the edges (about 4–5 minutes).
• Remove and set aside.

2. Cook Aromatics

• In the same skillet, add butter.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (3–4 minutes).

3. Add Rice & Seasonings

• Stir in rice to coat it in the butter and vegetables.
• Add paprika, thyme, and chili powder if using.

4. Add Liquid

• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Stir well and bring to a simmer.
• Return seared chicken to the pan.
• Cover and cook over low heat for 15–18 minutes, until rice is tender.

5. Make It Creamy

• Stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Mix until sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
• Add green onions or parsley, if desired.

6. Serve

• Plate hot and enjoy with a simple salad, roasted veggies, or garlic toast.

You Must Know

• Rinsing rice helps prevent mushy texture.
• Keep heat low while simmering so rice cooks evenly.
• Heavy cream gives the creamiest results — milk will be thinner.
• Cajun seasoning varies — taste and adjust to avoid oversalting.

Pro Tips

• Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• For more spice, add cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning at the end.
• Stir in spinach at the end for extra nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice: Jasmine or basmati work well
• Cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk for lighter texture
• Chicken: Shrimp or sausage also work great
• Cheese: Swap Parmesan for Monterey Jack or cheddar

Serving Suggestions

• With roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• With a side Caesar or garden salad
• In a bowl topped with extra Parmesan and green onions

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water
• Freezing is possible, but sauce may slightly separate — stir well when reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — add it during the last 5 minutes to heat through.

→ Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, more Cajun seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

→ Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it needs more liquid and a longer cook time (about 40 minutes).

→ Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cheese.

Print