Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in bold Cajun seasoning, sautéed with a medley of aromatic vegetables, and simmered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an indulgent yet straightforward meal, this dish blends spicy, savory flavors with a smooth, velvety finish, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 rib of celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (can substitute with dairy-free cream for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously rub both sides with the Cajun seasoning to infuse them with bold, spicy flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and Simmer: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly over low heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the creamy Cajun sauce, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything heat together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken and sauce to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, ideally with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or buttered pasta to balance the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken, Cajun Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Spicy Chicken Dinner, One Pan Chicken, Cajun Seasoning Recipes