Creamy Cajun Chicken
This creamy cajun chicken is one of those dinners you’ll make again and again. Cajun spiced chicken is seared until golden, then simmered in a deliciously creamy sauce loaded with veggies!
I was debating what to make with leftover cajun seasoning from my jambalaya recipe, and my mind immediately raced to this reader-favorite Tuscan chicken. I thought, why not give this dish a spiced Cajun twist?
Lo and behold, the results were a chef’s kiss. The seasoning on the chicken is phenomenal. But when you dip a sliced piece into the creamy sauce with bits of veggies, it’s a “backward eye roll” type of taste – unbelievably good! So the next time you’re looking an alternative to a baked chicken breasts dinner — this easy cajun chicken recipe will definitely hit the spot!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Ingredients
With how good this cajun chicken is, it’s hard to believe that you don’t need many ingredients. And if you’re dairy-free, there are a few options listed below!
- Chicken: I’m using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. But for a more succulent option, feel free to use chicken thighs as well.
- Vegetables: Sticking with the Cajun theme here, I’m adding diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Otherwise known as the “Holy Trinity” in Cajun cuisine!
- Cajun Seasoning: Yes, you can always find a store-bought version. But it’s honestly so easy to make your own with my recipe linked above (or below in the recipe card).
- Heavy Cream: I like to use heavy cream to maximize the creaminess in this dish. For dairy free options, use coconut cream (not to coconut milk) or this homemade cashew cream.
- Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a thick and creamy element to the sauce. And if you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast gives a similar cheesy, nutty flavor. Just add a tablespoon or two.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken
This recipe pretty much mimics the steps of my Tuscan chicken recipe. So rest assured, it’s easy to make in about 35 minutes. Here’s what to do.
Prep the chicken. Season both sides of each chicken breast with the Cajun seasoning.
Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set aside on a separate plate.
Helpful tip: If your chicken is on the thicker side, you’ll need to cook it longer on each side until it reaches 160°F. You could also speed up the process by covering the pan with a lid.
Sauté the veggies. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil to deglaze the pan (if needed). Then add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the veggies have softened. Then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stir together, and bring to a simmer. The sauce should start to boil a bit and form some bubbles.
Let it simmer. Place the chicken back in the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or so, to warm it through. When it’s done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley!
Ways to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken
I love to eat this recipe with a simple side salad. But, here are a few other ways to complete this meal:
- Serve with a hearty base. Rice or mashed potatoes would be great to soak up that delicious sauce. Lentils act as a tasty contrasting texture.
- Bump up the veggies in this recipe. You can always add a bit more of the Holy Trinity for an extra veggie boost (without having to make an additional side of veggies).
- Make a veggie side. If you’ve got extra time, roasted broccoli, sauteed spinach, sauteed cabbage, or garlic herb roasted potatoes would pair beautifully!
Storage Tips
There’s a high chance there won’t be any leftovers. But if there is… here are a few ways to store it.
- To store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze: Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy this chicken dish in the near future with a quick reheat! Just store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Coconut Curry Chicken
- Butter Chicken
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
I hope you (and anyone you serve this to) loves this creamy Cajun chicken recipe. Once you give it a go, let me know how it turned out in the comment box below!
Creamy Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 rib of celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, *see note above for dairy-free options
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the chicken. Season both sides of each chicken breast with the Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan to a plate and set aside.
- Saute the veggies. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil along with the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes, until the veggies have softened. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
- Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stir together, and bring to a simmer.
- Let it simmer. Place the chicken back in the skillet and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Lisa’s Tips
- If you’d like to tone down the spice level, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon.
- I’m using my favorite braiser pan for this recipe.
So delicious! Served with roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes, kids and adults approve. You made me look good.
Glad the whole family loved this dish! You’re a pro in the kitchen now :)
Delicious!!!!! I honestly didn’t think I would like it until the end. I was way pleasantly surprised and will definitely make again and again!!
I’m so glad you took a chance on this recipe and ended up loving it! :)
This was so good. I did drastically reduced the amount of Cajun seasoning(I have kiddos sensitive to spice) and added some avocado lime seasoning. Followed the rest of the instructions and it was delicious. No leftovers means a successful recipe!
Happy to hear the whole family enjoyed this Cajun chicken recipe Katie!
Just made this yesterday and it was delicious!!! I left out the cayenne pepper as I am not a real spicy eater and that was perfect for me! Thanks Lisa..
That’s a perfect tweak to reduce the spice. Happy you loved the recipe Rodney!
I made this for dinner tonight, and omg it was delicious. The recipe was so easy to follow and it was bursting with flavour. I’ll be making this quite often!
Happy to hear this was a winning dinner Marina!
Sooo good. You nailed it, again. I also put extra seasoning on roasted sweet potatoes and doubled the veggie. Thank you 😊
Yay, happy you loved the recipe Angela!
Thank you once again Lisa! This recipe was DELICIOUS!!! Easy to make and the chicken was tender and delicious. I will double the recipe next time because I love to have leftovers!!! Love love love your recipes!! And I am making a big batch of your cajun spice to have on hand. Very flavourful!!
Thrilled to hear you loved this creamy Cajun chicken Karen!
This was amazing! It was so flavourful! This is a great addition to my meal-prepping!
Glad you enjoyed this creamy cajun chicken!
This was absolutely delicious! Used your Cajun spice recipe too! Also served with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. I should also mention how easy it was to put together. This will be a regular dinner in our household. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Happy to hear this cajun chicken was a success Kara!
I love creamy chicken recipes. What could you use instead of cream for dairy free?
Thank you
Hi Abby – you could use coconut cream in this recipe!
Mmmmm!!! This will be a regular in our house! So delicious!!
I’m happy you loved the recipe Lindsay!
Made this tonight and we all loved it! So flavorful, and the chicken was tender too. Thank you for another great recipe!
Happy to hear you’re loving this chicken recipe Jenny!
This made for a tasty Sunday dinner and enough delicious sauce for a quick leftover weekday pre- prep’d shredded chicken meal with rice.
Thrilled to hear you loved this creamy cajun chicken Hillary!
Hi, I just found your website. I love to cook. I have a question. How is the protein 6g when a serving is an 7 ounce chicken breast? It’s seems like the protein should be higher.
Thanks
Miranda
Thanks for the catch Miranda! I just fixed the nutrition. :)