Oh, let me tell you about this dish, friends—it’s a little spicy, a little creamy, and a whole lot of comfort 💕. Creamy Cajun Chicken Over Rice is not just a recipe; it’s the ultimate one-pot meal that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds (or even thirds!).
I first discovered Cajun and Creole flavors during a summer vacation to Louisiana years ago, and they’ve had a special place in my kitchen ever since! This dish shines with bold Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken thighs, and a dreamy creamy Parmesan sauce that wraps everything together in a warm hug. Bonus? You only need one pot, so cleanup is a breeze—thank the food gods! 🫶
Whether you’re looking for weeknight magic or something quick for a dinner weekend party, this recipe will tick all the boxes. Let’s dive in and spice things up 🌶️!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes = maximum happiness 🙌.
- Packed with Flavor: From smoky Cajun spices to a rich Parmesan cream sauce, every bite is a party.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap chicken thighs for breasts, or make it spicier to match your heat tolerance.
- Hearty Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and filling—it’s a hug in a bowl!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical dish come alive 💫:
For the Chicken & Rice:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended): 4-6 pieces
- Cajun seasoning: 1 ½ tbsp (you can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own!)
- Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 green, diced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Fresh garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Rice: 2 cups (long grain or white rice preferred)
- Chicken stock: 4 cups (for added flavor!)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Onion: ¼ cup, finely chopped (if using different onions, sweet onions work best here!)
- Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
Pro Tip: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning at hand, you can mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and thyme. Voilà—a quick DIY blend!
Check out this amazing Cajun spice to add a full-bodied Cajun kick to your cooking!
- Cajun Style Seasoning: The highest quality ingredients to ensure that you have the highest quality meal
- Perfect BBQ: From your barbeque grill to your sauté pan, oven and slow cooker
- Meats, Vegetables, Soups, Pasta: Use this versatile product to wake up meats, vegetables, soups, eggs and pasta
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for hearty veggies like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Low-Carb Twist: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- More Heat: Add a chopped jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper for some fiery flair 🔥.
Instructions
Cooking this Creamy Cajun Chicken Over Rice could not be easier! 😄 Follow these steps for a perfect one-pot masterpiece:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat.
- Generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, toss in the bell peppers, onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and aromatic (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Rice:
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and stir it into the skillet with the veggies.
- Lightly season with a pinch of additional Cajun spice.
- Add Stock & Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken and rice cook, prepare the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, then whisk until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Bring It All Together:
- Once the skillet is out of the oven, drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice. Serve hot and enjoy! 🥰
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice! This step removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Searing Matters: Make sure you get a good sear on the chicken—it locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Taste the Cajun Spice: Some store-bought mixes can be extra salty, so adjust accordingly.
Here is a list of recommended tools for making the Creamy Cajun Chicken Over Rice recipe:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Oven-Safe Skillet | For searing the chicken and cooking rice, all in one pot. |
| Wooden Spoon | For stirring ingredients while sautéing and mixing. |
| Chef’s Knife | For chopping vegetables and trimming chicken. |
| Cutting Board | To safely cut ingredients. |
| Measuring Cups | For accurately measuring rice, chicken stock, and cream. |
| Measuring Spoons | For measuring spices like Cajun seasoning. |
| Mixing Bowl | Useful for mixing spices with oil before seasoning chicken. |
| Ladle | For serving the dish once it’s cooked. |
| Oven Mitts | To handle the hot skillet when transferring it to/from the oven. |
| Plate or Serving Dish | For serving the finished meal. |
| Airtight Container | For storing leftovers. |
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How to Serve
This one-pot meal is a star all on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A side of crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.
- A cool and creamy dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to cut through the spice.
Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color 🌿.
Make Ahead / Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prep the chicken and dice the veggies in advance to speed up the cooking process on busy nights.
- Storage: Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave a portion with a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore its texture.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Over Rice
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Ladle
- Oven mitts
- Plate or serving dish
- Airtight container (for leftovers)
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice
- 4-6 pieces of bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons oil for searing
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken stock
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion sweet onions work best
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat.
- Generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers, chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
- Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
Add the Rice
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and stir it into the skillet with the sautéed veggies.
- Lightly season with a pinch of additional Cajun seasoning.
Add Stock & Chicken
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up.
Bake
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Make the Sauce
- While the chicken and rice cook, prepare the creamy sauce.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
- Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Bring It All Together
- Once the skillet comes out of the oven, drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Ensure you get a good sear on the chicken – this step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Adjust the spice level according to your preference by modifying the Cajun seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Are you drooling yet? I don’t blame you 🤤. Creamy Cajun Chicken Over Rice is the perfect blend of spice, savory, and creaminess, cooked conveniently in one pot. It’s a true testament to how flavorful and easy dinner can be.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Snap a photo and share your creations on social media—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and subscribe for more drool-worthy meals.
Let’s get cooking, lovely people! 🥳✨
Pin it for later! 📍
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
Q: Is the dish spicy?
A: The heat level depends on your Cajun spice mix. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your spice tolerance!
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it with a plant-based alternative.
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