Cajun Chicken is a one-pan wonder for those busy nights when you want creamy comfort food and don’t want to spend a lot of time prepping and cleaning. The spicy chicken dish cooks in about 30 minutes. It’s fast and flavorful, and you are going to love this cajun chicken recipe.
Post includes Weight Watchers points.
30-minute, one-pan recipes are a busy cook’s dream come true and this Cajun Chicken Recipe checks both of those boxes but is also loaded with flavor. This recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. Just like this Marry Me Chicken, Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies and Kung Pao Chicken.
Chicken is affordable and versatile, and it never hurts to have another chicken recipe in your arsenal. This one has a bit of a spicy kick that’s complemented beautifully with a delectable cream sauce.
Cajun chicken cooks up fast, and you can serve it as-is with a side salad and bread or take a few extra minutes to prepare rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. No matter how you decide to serve it, you are going to love this recipe.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
- 30-Minutes – This chicken cooks quickly, so you can get dinner done fast.
- One-Pan – One-pan cooking means easy prep and easy cleanup.
- Affordable – Chicken breast is combined with seasonings and a few ingredients to likely already have on hand.
- Yummy – This recipe is slightly spicy and totally scrumptious. You might even be tempted to lick the sauce right off the plate!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – We’re using 4 chicken breasts. Chicken tenders and chicken thighs would also work well.
- Cajun Seasoning – Cajun seasoning has a bit of spice to it. If you prefer less spice, just use 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – Add these to really kick up the garlic and onion flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – If your Cajun seasoning contains salt (it varies by brand), you may not need to add additional salt.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is your best choice in this application. It will give a bit of crispy crust to the chicken and help to thicken the sauce.
- Olive Oil and Butter – These will allow you to fry the chicken and will add flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste – Look for tomato paste in the tube.
- Chicken Stock – Chicken stock adds great flavor, but you can use veggie stock or even water in a pinch.
- Heavy Cream – Feel free to substitute half and half or milk, but the sauce will not be as thick and creamy.
How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken
Get the full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Combine the flour, garlic, onion, and Cajun seasoning, and then dredge the chicken breasts until well coated.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan and fry chicken until cooked through and set aside.
- Add the tomato paste, chicken stock, and cream to the pan and simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer it in the sauce for a few minutes until it is heated through before serving.
Note: Always cook chicken thoroughly and test for doneness with a thermometer. The temperature should reach at least 165F / 74C.
Tips For Success
- Taste the seasoning mixture before adding additional salt as it may be salty enough.
- Feel free to reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon if you prefer a less spicy dish.
- Use a deep pan so you have plenty of room for the sauce.
- Check the chicken for doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
Variations
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle the top of this dish with fresh parmesan cheese or your favorite cheese.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Top with fresh parsley for a bright and flavorful finish.
- Make with Shrimp – Substitute the chicken with fresh shrimp. Shrimp will cook much quicker, so be sure to watch it closely.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Stock Up On Chicken – Buy chicken on sale or in bulk when prices are lower and store it in the freezer.
- Make Your Own Seasoning – Cajun seasoning contains paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano. Making your own seasoning blends can save you money.
- Add A Side – Bulk out this meal by adding a side of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. All are inexpensive and filling.
- Add Veggies – Use less chicken and add sliced onions, mushrooms, or other veggies to round it out.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Prep Ahead – You can certainly make this dish in advance, but it’s quick-cooking and will taste better made fresh.
- Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, so we don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
Meal Prep
- Make an extra batch or two that you can use with other meals throughout the week.
- This recipe stores for 3 days, so you can eat it on the day you cook it plus 3 more days.
- Separate leftovers into single portions, place in airtight meal prep containers and let cool completely with the lids off before sealing and storing.
- To vary it up through the week and make different meals, feel free to serve along with side salads, rice, mashed potatoes, over noodles, etc.
FAQs
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with lite coconut milk and use low sodium chicken stock. Serve with a salad or steamed veggies instead of rice, pasta, or potatoes. You can also serve this with cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions
More Recipes You May Like
- Marry Me Chicken.
- Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan.
- Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas.
- Copycat Chipotle Chicken.
- Kung Pao Chicken.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Tools To Make This
- A saucepan.
- A simple spatula.
- Handy measuring cups and spoons.
- An instant read thermometer.
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Did you make this recipe? Then I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and star rating below. And I really appreciate you sharing this recipe with your family and friends. Enjoy every mouthful 😊🍲 – Bintu
Get The Cajun Chicken Recipe:
Creamy Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning or less for a milder dish
- ½ cup (68g) all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup (118ml) chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture,making sure both sides are coated.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, Combine tomato paste, chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken breast to the pan, coating it with the sauce, and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Season if needed, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Taste the seasoning mixture before adding additional salt as it may be salty enough.
- Feel free to reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon if you prefer a less spicy dish.
- Use a deep pan so you have plenty of room for the sauce.
- Check the chicken for doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
- Stock Up On Chicken – Buy chicken on sale or in bulk when prices are lower and store it in the freezer.
- Make Your Own Seasoning – Cajun seasoning contains paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano. Making your own seasoning blends can save you money.
- Add A Side – Bulk out this meal by adding a side of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. All are inexpensive and filling.
- Add Veggies – Use less chicken and add sliced onions, mushrooms, or other veggies to round it out.
- Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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