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Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This creamy Cajun chicken and rice dish brings together bold flavors, protein-rich chicken, and a velvety sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in Cajun spices, pan-seared until golden, and served over fluffy Cajun rice infused with onion, garlic, and seasoning. A rich sauce made with butter, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan ties everything together. It’s a meal that satisfies both indulgent cravings and balanced nutrition, perfect for weeknights or when you want something comforting yet energizing. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of color and freshness.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:47:15 GMT
A dish of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. Bookmark
A dish of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. | ioanacooks.com

This high protein creamy Cajun chicken and rice is the kind of meal you make when you want comfort food that still feels balanced. It has smoky Cajun spices, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce that ties everything together. The result is a dish that tastes indulgent but fuels you with plenty of protein.

I first cooked this dish on a rainy evening when I needed something cozy yet nourishing. It became an instant hit in my home and has been requested many times since.

Ingredients

  • Cajun seasoning mix: provides the signature smoky spice blend and using fresh spices gives the best kick
  • Salt: brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and rice
  • Black pepper: adds warmth and subtle heat
  • Garlic powder: ensures a sweet garlicky base even before fresh garlic is added
  • Onion powder: builds depth and rounds out the Cajun blend
  • Oregano and thyme: add earthy herbal notes that balance the richness
  • Paprika: gives smokiness and a beautiful color
  • Chili powder: adds a gentle heat that lingers
  • Chicken breast: lean protein that soaks up the marinade and stays juicy
  • Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist
  • Grass fed butter: enriches the cooking process with a nutty flavor
  • Red onion: offers sweetness once sautéed and creates the rice base
  • Garlic cloves: provide aromatic depth and classic Cajun flavor
  • Fresh parsley: brightens the finished plate with freshness
  • Milk: creates the foundation of the sauce creamy yet light
  • Light cream cheese: gives tang and velvety texture
  • Parmesan: adds sharp nutty depth to the creamy sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Coat the chicken breast halves in Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Let them rest overnight in the fridge so the flavors penetrate deeply. Even thirty minutes of marination will still boost the taste if you are in a rush.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a pan over medium high heat and melt butter until foamy. Sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute before slicing into strips.
Prepare the Fluffy Cajun Rice:
In the same pan sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in the Cajun seasoning then toss in day old rice. Cook until the grains are well coated and lightly toasted which enhances flavor and texture.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat melt butter and sprinkle in Cajun seasoning. Gradually whisk in milk then add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until smooth thick and velvety.
Bring It All Together:
Spoon the rice onto plates layer sliced chicken over the top and finish with generous drizzles of creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
A plate of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. Bookmark
A plate of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. | ioanacooks.com

The Parmesan in the sauce is my favorite touch. It reminds me of Sunday dinners with my family when we always finished meals with a sprinkle of cheese for richness. That little addition makes the sauce unforgettable.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can replace breasts for extra juiciness. Greek yogurt can stand in for cream cheese for a tangier sauce. Fresh rice works if cooled slightly before adding to the pan.

A plate of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. Bookmark
A plate of rice and chicken with a creamy sauce. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition or with a simple green salad to balance the richness. A wedge of cornbread also makes a hearty pairing.

Cultural Context

Cajun cooking comes from Louisiana blending French Spanish and West African influences. This recipe adapts those bold smoky flavors into a modern balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. They are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.

→ Do I need day-old rice for this dish?

Day-old rice is best because it absorbs flavors and is less sticky, but freshly cooked rice works if cooled slightly.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese make good substitutes, adding creaminess with a slightly different taste.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and rice in advance. Make the sauce fresh when serving for best results.

→ How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

→ What garnish pairs best with this dish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness and balances the creamy and spicy flavors.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

Creamy Cajun chicken paired with fluffy rice for a high-protein, flavorful comfort dish.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Cajun-American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Cajun Seasoning Mix

Ingredient 01 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 02 1 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient 03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 04 1 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon oregano
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon thyme
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon chili powder

→ Chicken Marinade

Ingredient 09 800g chicken breast, cut into halves
Ingredient 10 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning mix
Ingredient 11 2 teaspoons olive oil
Ingredient 12 25g grass-fed butter for cooking

→ Cajun Rice

Ingredient 13 1 medium red onion, chopped
Ingredient 14 4-5 garlic cloves, chopped
Ingredient 15 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix
Ingredient 16 cooked rice, day-old preferred
Ingredient 17 fresh parsley for garnish

→ Creamy Sauce

Ingredient 18 15g grass-fed butter
Ingredient 19 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning mix
Ingredient 20 250ml milk
Ingredient 21 150g light cream cheese
Ingredient 22 40g Parmesan cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Marinate chicken breast pieces overnight with Cajun seasoning mix and olive oil, ensuring each piece is well coated. For quick preparation, minimum 30 minutes marination will suffice.

Step 02

Heat pan over medium-high heat and melt grass-fed butter. Cook marinated chicken until golden crust develops. Rest chicken for several minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 03

In same pan, sauté chopped red onion and garlic until fragrant. Add remaining Cajun seasoning mix and day-old rice, stirring until rice is well coated with flavors.

Step 04

Lower heat and melt butter in pan. Add Cajun seasoning mix, then slowly whisk in milk. Once warmed, add light cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 05

Layer Cajun rice on plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle creamy sauce over top. Garnish with fresh parsley for color contrast.

Extra Tips

  1. Day-old rice works best as it's less sticky and absorbs flavors better
  2. Resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender
  3. Can be prepared ahead of time - chicken and rice can be made in advance, sauce prepared fresh when ready to serve
  4. Stores well in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making excellent meal prep option

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan or skillet
  • Whisk for sauce preparation

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy products (butter, milk, cream cheese, Parmesan)
  • Contains gluten if using regular rice (check rice processing)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 532
  • Total Fat: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 43 grams
  • Protein Amount: 53 grams