Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Thinly sliced); 1.5 tablespoons Olive oil (For searing); 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (To taste); 0.25 teaspoon Onion powder (To taste); 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder (To taste); 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (To taste, smoked or sweet); 1 pinch Black pepper (To taste, freshly ground preferred); 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted or salted, as preferred); 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Finely grated for smooth melting); 1.5 cups Heavy whipping cream (Room temperature helps it blend smoothly); 4 servings Cooked white rice (Prepare per package instructions and keep warm)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. A silky Parmesan-cream sauce coats tender seared chicken and a bed of rice for a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home. Fun fact: Cajun seasoning blends were originally a clever way to use pantry spices to stretch modest ingredients into big flavor — perfect for busy families.

This recipe stands out because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for nights when you want something impressive without the fuss. If you like our One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice, you’ll appreciate how this version swaps a buttery garlic base for a creamy, spicy sauce for a different yet equally cozy result. Get your skillet hot — dinner is about to get delicious.

What is Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice?

What’s in a name — and why does it make your mouth water? Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is exactly what it sounds like: seared chicken seasoned with Cajun spices served over fluffy white rice and doused in a rich Parmesan-cream sauce. Why “Cajun”? Because it borrows that smoky, peppery seasoning mix that wakes up every bite. Who named it? Maybe a hungry home cook who discovered that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Sound dramatic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. Curious yet? Grab your skillet and give it a try.

Why You’ll Love This:

Big, bold flavor in a simple package: The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a lively kick while the Parmesan-heavy cream sauce balances heat with a smooth, silky finish.
Cost-effective comfort food: Making this at home saves money versus takeout while stretching pantry staples like rice and spices into a satisfying family meal.
Customizable toppings and textures: Add crisped bacon, sliced scallions, or bright lemon zest for contrast and freshness.

Compared to a lighter lemony chicken and rice, this dish leans richer and more indulgent — perfect for cozy nights and anyone who loves creamy sauces. Ready to be impressed? Make it tonight.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: season and sear the chicken, make a creamy Parmesan-Cajun sauce in the same skillet, then serve everything over cooked white rice. The prep is minimal, the pan cleanup is easy, and the sauce is the standout element — luxuriously creamy with a gentle smoky heat. Prep time about 10 minutes, cook time about 20 minutes, total roughly 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — thinly sliced (slice horizontally if thick to make thin cutlets)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil — for searing
Cajun seasoning — to taste (start with 1 teaspoon per side and adjust)
Onion powder — to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon per side suggested)
Garlic powder — to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon per side suggested)
Paprika — to taste (smoked or sweet, about 1/4 teaspoon per side suggested)
Black pepper — to taste (freshly ground preferred)
4 tablespoons butter — unsalted or salted, as preferred
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — finely grated for smooth melting
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream — room temperature helps it blend smoothly
Cooked white rice — enough for 4 servings (prepare per package instructions and keep warm)

Directions

Cook the Rice: Prepare white rice according to the package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
Season & Sear the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally if thick, to make thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for a minute.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Wipe out any excess oil from the skillet. Add butter and melt over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, then add a pinch of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly.
Plate the Dish: Fluff the rice and divide among serving plates. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and lay on top of the rice. Generously drizzle the creamy Cajun-Parmesan sauce over the chicken, letting a bit run onto the rice. (Do not mix all the sauce into the rice; keep most of it on the chicken, as in the photo.)
Serve: Serve hot! Enjoy immediately.

What to Serve With:

A crisp green salad (mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for color and fiber.
Warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
For drinks, try a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, an amber ale, or a non-alcoholic iced tea with lemon.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Even thickness matters: Pound or slice thick breasts into even cutlets so they sear and cook evenly.
Control the heat: Sear chicken over medium-high heat for a golden crust, then reduce heat for the sauce so the cream doesn’t scorch.
Cheese choice: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated; avoid finely powdered blends.
Adjust spice: Start with modest Cajun seasoning in the sauce; you can always add more at the table.
Avoid thinning the sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of reserved rice cooking water or a splash of milk until smooth.
Don’t overmix plated rice: Keep most of the sauce on the chicken for the best presentation and texture contrast.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together, but place rice separately if possible to avoid it getting soggy.
Freezing: The cream sauce may separate after freezing, so freezing is not recommended for best texture. If you must freeze, store chicken and rice without sauce for up to 2 months; reheat and prepare a fresh quick sauce.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between, and add a little liquid if the sauce looks dry.

FAQs

What kind of rice is best with this dish?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well because it stays fluffy and absorbs a little sauce without becoming heavy. Short-grain rice will be stickier and change the texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option and stay juicy; reduce searing time slightly as they’re thinner and cook faster.

Is there a dairy-free version?
For dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream substitute and dairy-free Parmesan-style shreds. The texture and flavor will differ, but the dish will still be comforting.

How spicy is this recipe?
Spice level is easily adjustable. Use less Cajun seasoning for mild heat, or add cayenne if you want it spicier. Tasting as you go helps you control the final heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead and rewarm gently, but cream sauces are best fresh. If made ahead, store in the fridge and reheat slowly, whisking in a splash of water or cream to restore smoothness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a quick, comforting meal that proves bold flavors and home-cooked convenience can go hand in hand. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet rich enough to impress family and guests. If you want inspiration or a slightly different take on a similar dish, check out this version from Creamy Cajun Chicken – Downshiftology or try the lovely twist at Creamy Cajun Chicken • Salt & Lavender. Give this recipe a try, tweak the spice to your liking, and enjoy sharing it with people you love.