High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a dish that bursts with bold flavors and creamy textures. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning mix, stirred into a luscious, velvety sauce paired with fluffy rice. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also creates a stunning visual feast on your plate, making it perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
As you dive into this recipe, you’ll enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen and the taste that lingers on your palate. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the balance of spices and creaminess that brings comfort and warmth. Keep reading to discover the easy steps for creating this high-protein dish that will impress your guests and family alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome items, ensuring a healthy meal.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it suitable for cooks of any skill level.
- Nutrition: Packed with high protein from chicken and creamy goodness.
- Versatility: Great for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
- Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy textures are visually appealing.
You’re sure to enjoy all these amazing benefits when you prepare this dish!
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
- Start by seasoning the chicken halves with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, and chili powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 25 g of butter over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in milk and mix in light cream cheese until smooth, then add the Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning for flavor.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with your choice of rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling the creamy sauce generously on top.
- Accompaniments: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
- Portions: This recipe serves 4, perfect for family or small gatherings.
- Beverage Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea makes a refreshing companion.
Wrap up your meal with this delightful dish that truly satisfies!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Customization: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and adjust cooling ingredients to balance the spice.
- Vegetable Edition: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
- One-Pot Dish: Cook the rice along with the chicken and sauce for a complete meal in one pot.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
- Knives
- Blender (if desired for smoother sauce)
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but it’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking.
Q2: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This dish contains dairy and chicken; however, you can modify it for vegetarian or dairy-free diets by using suitable substitutes.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately until you’re ready to serve.
Q4: How can I customize the spice level?
You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
Q5: What are alternative cooking methods for this recipe?
You can grill or bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it to suit your cooking preferences.
Conclusion
High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is not only a delicious meal but also a nutritious option packed with flavor. Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for special dinners or casual family meals. With its high protein and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the delightful blend of flavors for yourself?
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Seasoning for Chicken
- 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 Chili Powder
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken halves with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, and chili powder.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 25 g of butter over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in milk and mix in light cream cheese until smooth, then add the Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning for flavor.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
