Description
This creamy Cajun chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and celery. It’s a flavorful dinner that combines spicy, creamy, and savory elements for a satisfying meal you’ll want to make time and again.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 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 (use dairy-free alternative if desired)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with Cajun seasoning to ensure the meat is well coated with flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped celery, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add cream and parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce with the vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to coat chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken hot, ideally with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- To reduce the spice level, decrease Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
