Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe delivers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce loaded with sautéed veggies and Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s a hearty and comforting dinner that’s bursting with Cajun spices and creamy decadence.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with the Cajun seasoning to infuse bold flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped celery. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats them nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.