Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA swirl of smoky spices wrapped around creamy goodness—it’s a culinary dream come true! Enter my High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice, a perfect blend of juicy chicken and fluffy Cajun-infused rice that sings with flavor. This dish not only delivers an impressive protein kick but also offers a comforting, rich sauce that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a satisfying feast in under an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just tired of the fast-food routine, this recipe is your flavorful ally. Curious how the magic happens? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try? High Protein Power: Each serving boasts over 50 grams of protein, making it perfect for those who value nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Creamy Delight: The velvety garlic cream sauce envelops the chicken and rice, enhancing every bite and ensuring a deliciously rich experience. Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the fuss. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or turkey, or use quinoa for a healthy twist—this dish adapts easily to your dietary needs. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Its bold Cajun flavors are sure to impress family and friends alike, making it perfect for dinner parties or cozy family gatherings. For more delicious options, consider trying my Baked Cajun Salmon paired with a refreshing salad! Creamy Cajun Chicken Ingredients • Dive into the delicious world of Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice with these essential ingredients! For the Chicken Chicken Breast – A lean protein source that’s tender and juicy, perfect when marinated. Cajun Seasoning Mix – A blend of spices that adds warmth and depth; you can make your own or opt for store-bought. Olive Oil – Used for marinating the chicken, adding healthy fats that enhance flavor. Grass Fed Butter – Adds richness and a beautiful golden crust when searing the chicken. For the Rice Long-Grain Rice – A hearty base that absorbs flavors well; day-old rice works best to avoid mushiness. Red Onion – Sautéed for aromatic depth, adding layers of flavor to your dish. Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced, they elevate the rice and sauce with a delightful zing. For the Cream Sauce Milk – Provides a smooth, creamy texture for the sauce; essential for that velvety finish. Light Cream Cheese – Adds body and a hint of tang, giving the sauce its luscious consistency. Parmesan – Deepens the sauce’s savory flavor, making every bite irresistible. Spices & Seasoning Salt – Enhances seasoning and balances flavors throughout the dish. Black Pepper – Adds warmth without overwhelming, giving a nice kick. Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth to enhance your Cajun flavors. Onion Powder – Complements garlic to elevate the overall profile. Oregano – Infuses an earthy note that harmonizes with the spices. Thyme – This aromatic herb uplifts the dish’s flavor profile beautifully. Paprika – Adds color and smokiness, crucial for Cajun cuisine. Chili Powder – Provides just enough heat to keep things exciting. For Garnish Fresh Parsley – Adds a bright pop of color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl, combine your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and olive oil until well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal flavor, let it rest overnight in the refrigerator. This step is essential to infuse the chicken with the deliciously bold Cajun flavors you’ll love in the creamy Cajun chicken. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the grass-fed butter until bubbly. Sear the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing. Step 3: Prepare the Cajun Rice In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté finely chopped red onion and minced garlic until fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional minute. Add day-old long-grain rice, mixing thoroughly until it’s heated through and well-coated with the spice mix. This flavorful rice will perfectly complement your creamy Cajun chicken. Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Lower the heat to medium-low, and melt an additional tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Gradually whisk in warmed milk, ensuring it does not boil, and then add cream cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety, providing the perfect accompaniment to your creamy Cajun chicken. Step 5: Assemble the Dish To serve, create a fluffy bed of Cajun rice on each plate, then neatly arrange slices of the seared chicken on top. Generously pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, allowing it to cascade down onto the rice. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness to your Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice. What to Serve with High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice Elevate your mealtime experience by pairing this richly flavored dish with delightful sides and sweet treats that complement every bite. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic is perfect for scooping up creamy sauce, adding a crunchy element to your meal. Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable provides a fresh, crisp contrast, balancing the richness of the creamy chicken while adding a nutritious boost. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing enhance the flavors, making it an excellent starter that sets the tone for your flavorful main dish. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal veggies, lightly seasoned and roasted, offer a sweet caramelization that pairs beautifully with Cajun spices. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn brushed with butter creates a delightful texture and taste contrast to the robust chicken and rice. Lemonade: A tall glass of refreshing lemonade cuts through creaminess with its zesty citrus notes, making it a perfect thirst quencher alongside this rich meal. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this light and airy treat can be a lovely finish, adding a touch of indulgence to your flavorful meal. Consider these pairings to create an unforgettable dining experience, where every bite of the Cajun chicken uniquely shines amongst flavorful companions! Expert Tips for Creamy Cajun Chicken Marination Magic: A longer marination time, ideally overnight, intensifies the bold Cajun flavors in the chicken, resulting in a richer taste. Perfect Sear: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that coveted crispy golden crust on your chicken—too much in the pan lowers the temperature and steams instead! Rice Choice: Day-old, firm long-grain rice prevents clumping and absorbs flavors, ensuring it’s fluffy and flavorful with the creamy sauce. Gentle Heat: When making your cream sauce, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. Continuously whisk as you incorporate dairy for a smooth finish. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in a little more milk until you get a perfect velvety texture that complements your creamy Cajun chicken beautifully. Creamy Cajun Chicken Variations Feel free to customize your dish and delight your taste buds with these delicious twists and swaps! Shrimpy Delight: Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick-cooking, seafood-inspired version that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Turkey Option: Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to chicken, adding a cozy, comforting flavor that works perfectly with Cajun spices. Whole Grain Goodness: Substitute long-grain rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and texture, keeping your meal wholesome and nutritious. Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach or bell peppers to infuse the dish with nutrients and vibrant colors that make every bite pop. Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free option, replace milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese for that creamy texture without the guilt. Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or diced jalapeños for those who love a little extra heat; just the right kick will elevate your dish to a whole new level. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing take, brightening your Cajun chicken and adding a layer of aromatic flavor. Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy indulgence, sprinkle additional Parmesan or a blend of cheddar on top; let it melt into a gooey, delightful topping over your chicken. If you want more flavor-packed options, check out my irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken or explore the comforting flavors in Smothered Chicken Rice for more culinary inspiration! How to Store and Freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Fridge: Store any leftover creamy Cajun chicken and garlic rice in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Label containers to remind yourself of the date when you made this delectable dish. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens. Assembly Tip: If possible, keep the sauce separate when storing to maintain its creamy texture, mixing it back in right before serving for the best experience. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning and olive oil up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, the Cajun-infused rice can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, cool and store the rice in an airtight container. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the rice and chicken in a pan over low heat, then finish by whisking together the creamy sauce in the same skillet. This method offers you a delicious, hearty meal on busy weeknights with minimal effort! High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting chicken breast, look for pieces that are plump and have a smooth surface. They should be pale pink without dark spots. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option—simply adjust cooking time as they may need a few extra minutes. How should I store leftovers from this dish? You can keep leftover creamy Cajun chicken and garlic rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the sauce if possible to maintain its creamy texture when reheating. Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice? Yes, you can freeze individual portions of this dish! To do so, cool the chicken and rice completely, then place them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Label the bags with the date for easy reference. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to the sauce if needed. What if my sauce curdles while cooking? Very often, curdling happens due to high heat or when cold ingredients are added to warm ones. To fix this, lower the heat and whisk continuously to help bring it together. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more warm milk and whisk until smooth; it should return to that lovely creamy consistency. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? This recipe can cater to various dietary preferences! For a dairy-free version, substitute the light cream cheese and milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk and cashew cream. If you’re concerned about gluten, make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free, or simply make your own using dried herbs and spices. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and add more color. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a delightful twist to your creamy Cajun chicken with garlic rice! Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice for Flavor Lovers Enjoy a delicious blend of smoky spices and creamy garlic rice in this high protein Cajun chicken dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: CajunCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Breast Lean protein source, tender and juicy2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Mix Store-bought or homemade2 tablespoons Olive Oil For marinating2 tablespoons Grass Fed Butter For searing the chickenFor the Rice2 cups Long-Grain Rice Day-old works best1 medium Red Onion Finely chopped3 cloves Garlic Cloves Freshly mincedFor the Cream Sauce1 cup Milk Warmed4 ounces Light Cream Cheese For a creamy texture1/2 cup Parmesan GratedSpices & Seasoning1 teaspoon Salt To taste1 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Onion Powder1 teaspoon Oregano1 teaspoon Thyme1 teaspoon Paprika1 teaspoon Chili PowderFor Garnish2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped Equipment SkilletMixing Bowl Method InstructionsIn a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; melt butter and sear marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.In the same skillet, sauté red onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and day-old rice, mixing until heated through.Lower heat, melt additional butter, whisk in milk, and add cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.Serve the Cajun rice on plates, top with sliced chicken, and pour creamy sauce over. Garnish with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 52gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesMarinating overnight boosts Cajun flavors. Avoid pan overcrowding for crisp chicken; use day-old rice for best results. Keep sauce heat low to avoid curdling. 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