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Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

A delicious one-pan dish featuring spiced chicken, a creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Comfort Food
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded to even thickness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cajun Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
For the Base
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (long-grain works best)
  • Fresh parsley or paprika for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Rice
  1. Start by cooking your white rice according to the package instructions.
  2. Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, adding a pinch of salt for flavor.
  3. Steam the rice for 15 to 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Fluff with a fork when done and keep it covered to stay warm.
Seasoning the Chicken
  1. Lay your chicken pieces flat and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
  2. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Resting the Chicken
  1. Remove chicken and let it rest for 4 to 5 minutes before slicing.
Making the Cajun Cream Sauce
  1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium, add butter, and melt it into the pan drippings.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add Parmesan gradually, stirring to keep it smooth and silky.
Plating the Dish
  1. Slice the rested chicken and divide the warm rice among plates.
  2. Place chicken slices over rice and drizzle with Cajun cream sauce.
  3. Garnish with parsley or paprika if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.