Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy, cheesy sauce and seasoned rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika

→ Sauce Components

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 240 milliliters heavy whipping cream
09 - 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese

→ Base

10 - 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice

→ Oils

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook the rice according to package instructions until tender yet firm. Set aside and keep warm.
02 - If chicken breasts are thick, slice horizontally to ensure even cooking and retain juiciness.
03 - Generously season both sides of the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust according to desired spice level.
04 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken slices without crowding and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
05 - Wipe excess oil from the skillet using a paper towel. Melt butter over medium heat, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Add additional Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and emulsifies. Remove from heat and transfer most sauce to a bowl, leaving some in the skillet.
06 - Add cooked rice to the skillet with remaining sauce and stir until evenly coated. Thinly slice the chicken and arrange on top of the sauced rice. Drizzle reserved creamy sauce over before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken, ensuring juiciness and food safety.
02 - Toast Cajun seasoning briefly in the skillet before searing chicken to deepen aroma.
03 - Carefully stir sauce over moderate heat to prevent curdling or sticking.
04 - Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days; allow to cool before refrigeration to preserve quality.