Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice is a comforting, high-protein meal with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors layered over tender chicken and fluffy rice. This one-pan dish combines the best of Cajun seasoning with a cheesy cream sauce that coats each bite in richness without being overly heavy.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding your family on a busy night, or craving a creamy, hearty dinner, this recipe delivers vibrant flavor and simple execution. The versatility of the dish also allows for swaps like day-old rice or light cream alternatives while maintaining bold taste.
Why the Recipe Works
This recipe balances several culinary elements for maximum flavor and texture:
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Cajun seasoning provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor profile that infuses both chicken and rice.
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Marinated chicken ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
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Creamy sauce made with milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan adds richness while keeping the dish lighter than a heavy cream-based sauce.
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Fluffy rice absorbs the flavors of the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices, creating a cohesive base.
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One-pan cooking method keeps the dish simple and minimizes cleanup.
By layering flavors and textures thoughtfully, this recipe results in a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and protein-packed.
Recipe Info
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner / Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredient Breakdown
Cajun Seasoning Mix
Combines paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, and chili powder for authentic Cajun flavor. This seasoning is versatile and can be adjusted for heat.
Chicken Marinade
Marinating chicken in olive oil and Cajun spices ensures maximum flavor penetration. This step keeps chicken juicy when pan-seared.
Fluffy Cajun Rice
Rice is sautéed with onions, garlic, and Cajun spices to absorb aromatic flavors. Day-old rice works well for meal prep because it’s less sticky.
Creamy Sauce
A blend of butter, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a smooth, velvety sauce. The addition of Cajun seasoning ties the sauce flavor back to the chicken and rice.
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds color, brightness, and a fresh herbal note that complements the smoky Cajun flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the halved chicken breasts with 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning mix and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Marination tenderizes the chicken and allows the spices to penetrate deeply for every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 25 g (2 tbsp) butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Proper searing ensures flavor development and locks in juiciness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cajun Rice
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir in the cooked rice. Toss until the rice is evenly coated with spices and aromatic flavors.
Using the same skillet allows leftover chicken bits to flavor the rice, creating depth.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Melt 15 g butter in a small pan and add ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Whisk in the milk, then stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
The sauce should be velvety and pourable—if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Layer the Cajun rice on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
This layering allows diners to enjoy the combination of smoky chicken, seasoned rice, and rich sauce in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice
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Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Overnight is best.
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Use high-quality Parmesan for a richer, saltier sauce.
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Cook rice separately if you prefer it lighter or fluffier.
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Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing paprika, chili powder, or cayenne in the seasoning mix.
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Rest the chicken after cooking to retain juiciness.
Variations
Spicy Cajun Chicken Rice
Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Vegetable-Loaded Version
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the rice for more fiber and nutrients.
Low-Fat Version
Use skim milk or light cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
One-Pan Meal Prep
Cook larger batches of chicken and rice. Portion into meal prep containers and drizzle with sauce before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
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Pair with a side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
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Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for visual appeal and freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.
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Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and adding sauce.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 532 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 680 mg
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just heat it gently and add to the rice before pouring the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk.
Can I use day-old rice?
Absolutely. It works especially well for meal prep and absorbs the spices better.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, it’s medium-spiced. Adjust Cajun seasoning or add cayenne to increase heat.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook chicken and rice ahead, then assemble and add sauce before serving.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice is a versatile, high-protein, and comforting dish that combines the best of smoky Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family meals, it delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.
The combination of tender chicken, fluffy Cajun-seasoned rice, and cheesy sauce makes it a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you want a quick dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe hits all the marks.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice
Ingredients
- Cajun Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Chicken Marinade:
- 800 g about 1.75 lb chicken breasts, halved
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning mix
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 25 g about 2 tbsp butter for cooking
- Fluffy Cajun Rice:
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice or 4 cups cooked/day-old rice
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 4 –5 garlic cloves chopped
- ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning mix
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Creamy Sauce:
- 15 g 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning mix
- 250 ml milk
- 150 g 5 oz light cream cheese
- 40 g 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken breasts with 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning mix and 2 tsp olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 25 g butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Cajun Rice:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning and stir in the cooked rice. Toss until well coated with the spices.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower heat to medium-low. Melt 15 g butter in a pan, add ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning, and whisk in the milk. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Layer the Cajun rice on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
