High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice: A Cozy Delight
Is there anything more comforting than a warm plate of creamy chicken and rice on a chilly evening? As the leaves start to change and the air crisps with the promise of fall, I find myself craving dishes that wrap me in warmth, like a hug from an old friend. This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice brings just that—a delightful medley of flavors that transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen, filled with laughter and the irresistible scent of spices dancing in the air.
Imagine slicing into juicy, tender chicken adorned with a golden, crispy crust, all nestled on a bed of flavorful Cajun rice. Each bite bursts with creamy indulgence and a hint of spice, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner for you and your loved ones. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with protein, then this recipe is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein: Packed with chicken breast and creamy goodness, it fuels your body while satisfying your cravings.
- Cozy and comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings when you need a dish that feels like a warm embrace.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Quick to make and delicious enough to impress anyone at your table.
- Versatile: Customize it with different veggies or toppings based on what you love or have on hand.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish, making dinner a breeze.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 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 Tsp 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 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 1/2 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
Let’s Make It Together
Marinate the chicken breast pieces overnight with 1.5 teaspoons of Cajun Seasoning Mix and olive oil, ensuring each piece is well coated for the best flavor. Seal in flavor with an airtight glass container like this—way better than plastic bags for overnight marinades.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat, adding 25 grams of grass-fed butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken and cook until it develops a crispy, golden crust on each side. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. If your chicken never gets that golden crust, try a cast iron skillet—it locks in heat and flavor beautifully!
In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic cloves until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining Cajun Seasoning Mix and toss in the day-old rice (it’s perfect for this!). Stir until the rice is well coated with all the flavors.
Lower the heat to medium, then melt the remaining 15 grams of butter in the pan. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the Cajun Seasoning Mix, then slowly whisk in the milk. Once warmed through, add the light cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. A balloon whisk like this keeps sauces lump-free and creamy!
Layer the Cajun rice on a plate, top with the sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Veggie Kick: Add colorful bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition and a burst of color.
- Indulgent Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy twist!
- Creole Shrimp Addition: For a coastal twist, swap out some chicken for shrimp or add both for a surf and turf delight.
- Extra Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots for added texture!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken the night before to enhance flavors and save time during the week.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to use turkey or beef if you want to change things up!
- Storing leftovers: Keep any leftover Cajun chicken and rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: Add a splash of milk to the rice, cover, and heat until warm for a creamy revival.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight, and you can prepare the rest of the dish in about 30 minutes.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to customize with other proteins, vegetables, or even pasta instead of rice.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Leftovers stay fresh for about 3 days; just be sure to reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create memories. Each comforting bite teaches us that delicious food connects us, warms us, and makes every day a little brighter. Save this recipe to your dinner inspiration board, so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!
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High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A comforting dish of juicy chicken breast nestled on flavorful Cajun rice, topped with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 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 Tsp 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 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 1/2 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breast pieces with 1.5 teaspoons of Cajun Seasoning Mix and olive oil overnight.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with 25 grams of grass-fed butter. Cook marinated chicken until crispy and golden.
- Let the chicken rest, then slice it into strips.
- Sauté the chopped red onion and garlic in the same pan for 2-3 minutes. Add remaining Cajun Seasoning Mix and day-old rice, stirring to coat.
- Lower the heat and add remaining butter, then whisk in milk. Add cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
- Plate the Cajun rice, top with sliced chicken, drizzle with creamy sauce, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Use a cast iron skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, Cajun chicken, high protein dinner, comfort food, rice recipes