High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a delightful dish that combines the rich, vibrant flavors of Cajun spices with the comforting goodness of creamy chicken and rice. The golden-brown chicken breast, perfectly cooked rice, and luscious sauce create a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even a meal prep option for those busy weekdays.
As you take your first bite, the warm spices mingle with the creamy sauce, providing a sensational experience you won’t forget. This article will guide you through every step of preparing this crowd-pleaser, including ingredient details, cooking tips, and serving suggestions. So get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy, delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses wholesome, fresh components to create a nourishing meal.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and nutritious ingredients for a well-rounded dish.
- Versatility: Customize the spice levels and serve with different sides to fit any taste.
- Presentation: The colorful dish looks as amazing as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
You’ll find it irresistible for many occasions!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Oregano
- 1 Tsp Thyme
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Tsp Chilli Powder
- 800 g Chicken Breast (cut into halves)
- 1.5 Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 2 Tsp Olive Oil
- 25 g Grass Fed Butter for Cooking
- 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
- 1/2 Cajun Seasoning Mix
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken halves with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, chilli powder, and 1.5 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning mix.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 25 grams of grass-fed butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped red onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning mix, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Add the chicken back to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes more.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl or platter, topped with the fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Portions: Make enough to serve 4-6 people comfortably.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or refreshing iced tea.
This meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Customization: Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp seasoned with the same spices.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or chickpeas paired with assorted vegetables instead of chicken.
- Southwestern Twist: Add black beans and corn for a hearty southwestern flair.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best quality, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
FAQ’s
Are frozen ingredients okay?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients.Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat before serving.What if I want to customize it?
Feel free to add your favorite peppers or vegetables for extra texture and flavor.Can I cook it differently?
Yes! Try baking the chicken instead of stovetop cooking for a different approach.
Conclusion
You are going to love making High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice. It’s a dish full of flavor and nutrition that can fit any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make, colorful dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!
High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 800 g Chicken Breast (cut into halves)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
For Cooking
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 25 g Grass Fed Butter for Cooking
- 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
For the Creamy Sauce
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter For garnish, use fresh parsley.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken halves with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, chilli powder, and 1.5 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning mix.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 25 grams of grass-fed butter over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped red onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning mix, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes more.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
