Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings serious flavor with minimal effort. The Cajun spices give the chicken a bold kick, while the creamy sauce tones it down just enough. Everything comes together in one skillet, and it’s naturally gluten-free without any need for substitutions. If I’m craving comfort food that doesn’t take hours to make, this is the one I reach for.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil

• Cajun seasoning, to taste

• Onion powder, to taste

• Garlic powder, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Additional Cajun seasoning, to taste

• Paprika, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice

Directions

1. I start by cooking the white rice according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy and tender, I set it aside.

2. I season both sides of the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

3. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.

4. In the same skillet, I melt the butter, then pour in the heavy cream. I stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Once it starts to simmer, I gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. I remove most of the sauce from the skillet, leaving just enough to mix with the rice.

6. I stir the cooked rice into the skillet with the remaining sauce, seasoning it with extra Cajun seasoning and paprika to boost the flavor.

7. I slice the cooked chicken thinly and serve it over the rice, finishing with a generous drizzle of the reserved creamy sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add veggies: I stir in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

• Spicy twist: A dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the cream sauce turns up the heat.

• Low-carb option: I serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice when I’m cutting back on carbs.

• Cheese swap: Asiago or a sharp white cheddar adds a different flavor to the cream sauce.

• Protein swap: I’ve also made this with shrimp or turkey cutlets—just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—just be sure to cover it and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken in a pinch. I just warm it in the sauce before serving to soak up the flavor.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

I stick with long-grain white rice, but jasmine or basmati rice work just as well. Even brown rice works, though it has a nuttier texture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan with success. The flavor changes slightly but still turns out creamy and rich.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

I always use room-temperature cream and butter, and I stir constantly while adding the Parmesan to keep it smooth and velvety.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I often cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and just reheat everything when ready to serve. The rice is best made fresh or reheated with a bit of added moisture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice is a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying—all made in one pan and ready in under an hour. Whether I’m craving something cozy or cooking for guests, this Southern-inspired favorite always hits the spot.