Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan, and sautéed vegetables. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
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 (dairy-free alternatives can be used as noted)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly coat both sides with Cajun seasoning to ensure a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the cream to form a smooth sauce.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and cover. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken gently simmer in the sauce until cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley and serve the creamy Cajun chicken hot with your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount according to preferred spice level.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
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