Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 24 ounces); 2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium red onion, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 bell peppers (any color combo), chopped into 1-inch pieces; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky warmth of spices melding into a silky sauce — that’s exactly what makes this Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe a standout dinner. The juicy chicken paired with that luscious, spicy cream sauce is pure comfort food magic you'll want on repeat.

The image shows four browned pieces of chicken inside a shiny silver pan, each piece sitting in a thick, creamy sauce with soft orange and red chunks of vegetables. The sauce is spread evenly, covering the pan bottom and surrounding each chicken piece. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled across the chicken and sauce, adding contrast. A shiny gold spoon rests on the side of the pan handle. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I cook this creamy Cajun chicken recipe whenever I want something quick yet impressively flavorful. Once you nail the seasoning and sauce balance, it’s genuinely addictive — perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.

Bold Flavor Profile: The Cajun spices give the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Creamy, Comforting Sauce: The Parmesan cream sauce is silky and rich, making every bite absolutely luscious.
One-Pan Wonder: You’ll only dirty one skillet for the whole dish — clean-up win!
Versatile Pairings: It goes perfectly over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, so you can change it up easily.

The image shows three pieces of browned, cooked chicken placed in a pan filled with creamy sauce. The sauce is light beige with visible small pieces of orange and red vegetables, possibly bell peppers or tomatoes, giving it a chunky texture. The chicken pieces have a textured, crispy surface with herbs sprinkled on top. A gold-colored spoon is resting in the pan on a white marbled background. The dish looks rich and savory with the sauce coating both the chicken and the pan bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role — from building that robust Cajun flavor to creating the creamy, dreamy sauce. I always recommend starting with quality chicken breasts and fresh veggies to get the best result.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with natural texture, a small white bowl of plain flour, a few pats of fresh butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, small white bowls each containing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, half a medium red onion chopped into chunks, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with halved ripe cherry tomatoes, two chopped bell peppers in red and yellow colors, four whole garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, and a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Thick cutlets soak up the seasoning and stay juicy after cooking.
Flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce later.
Butter & olive oil: Together, they add richness and help with even browning.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices form the core smoky, savory Cajun flavor.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, making every flavor pop.
Dried oregano & thyme: Add subtle herbaceous notes that complement the Cajun spices.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust this to taste depending on how fiery you like it.
Red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic: Fresh veggies add sweet and savory layers plus great texture.
Chicken broth: Builds sauce body and adds depth without overpowering.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, luscious sauce—evaporated milk can substitute in a pinch.
Lime juice: Gives the sauce a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding nutty umami and creamy texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I encourage you to tweak the heat level or add your favorite veggies to make this dish truly your own.

Variation: I often swap bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms when I want a different texture — it’s still just as delicious.
Healthier Option: Use evaporated milk instead of cream and reduce butter to cut calories but keep creaminess.
Extra Kick: Sometimes I add an extra dash of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce if I’m really craving heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally so you get four evenly sized fillets. I like to cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness — this helps them cook evenly without drying out. Then mix the Cajun seasoning with flour and dredge each fillet, shaking off the excess. This coating is key for that perfect crust that locks in juices.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Resist the urge to move it too much so you get that tasty crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but keep all those flavor-packed browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the onions. Let them soften for about 3 minutes, then add tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and the reserved Cajun spice mix. Sauté for another couple of minutes to coax out their sweetness and blend flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Pour in half the chicken broth, then whisk the remaining broth with cornstarch and add it along with the cream. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to that perfect creamy texture. Turn down the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then add lime juice for a bright, fresh edge. Pop the chicken back into the pan to soak up the sauce for a minute before you serve.

Top Tip

I’ve cooked this recipe countless times, and these tips really make the difference between good and unforgettable:

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and keeps it juicy.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the chicken rest after searing prevents it from drying out.
Use Fresh Veggies: The bell peppers and tomatoes add natural sweetness that balances the spice.
Low and Slow for the Sauce: Simmering gently prevents the cream from splitting and keeps the sauce silky.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe

creamy Cajun chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lime just before serving. The bright green parsley adds freshness and color, while the lime juice lifts all the flavors and balances the richness.

Side Dishes

For a classic plate, I serve this creamy Cajun chicken over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy grits. Pasta tossed with garlic and herbs also works beautifully, as does steamed rice to soak up that wonderful sauce. Don't forget a crisp salad or garlic bread for contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate the chicken on a bed of herbed couscous, garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped chives. It’s vibrant and festive, making the meal feel extra special with minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so just warm gently before serving to regain that creamy texture. It’s great for lunch the next day.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well, just be sure to freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce might separate slightly but stirring gently brings it back together.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir often to prevent the cream from curdling and keep the sauce silky smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I reduce the heat if I don’t like spicy food?

You can cut back on the cayenne pepper and skip adding extra chili. The smoked paprika provides a nice smoky depth without too much heat, so the dish still tastes deliciously rich and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. For vegan, substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. The spices and sauce still shine!

What’s the best way to make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Pounding the chicken to even thickness, not overcrowding the pan, and cooking over medium-high heat for just the right amount of time all help keep the chicken tender and juicy. Letting it rest before slicing also locks in moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Breast Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it marries bold spices with comforting creaminess so beautifully. It’s that kind of meal you make when you want to feel good about cooking something quick but still deliciously impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!