Bold, spicy comfort in every bite 🌶️
Turn up the heat with this Creamy Cajun Chicken, a bold and satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes! 🔥 Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious, spicy Cajun cream sauce that’s bursting with smoky flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a cozy dinner for two, this quick stovetop recipe brings restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen with minimal cleanup. Pair it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a creamy, crave-worthy meal that fits busy weeknights and date nights alike. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on this irresistible Southern-inspired classic! 💛
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- 🔥 Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 🍳 Sear: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- 🧄 Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 🥣 Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add cream, Parmesan, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened (3–4 minutes).
- 🍗 Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Simmer 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.
- 🌿 Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or veggies.
✨ Multitasking tip: While the sauce simmers, prepare your side (like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed spinach).
Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Extra Flavor: Add diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist.
- Meal Prep Tip: Double the sauce it’s amazing on shrimp or roasted veggies too!
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 460 | 38g | 7g | 32g | 1g | 2g |