Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice (High-Protein Comfort Dinner)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to cozy up with a bold, creamy dinner that satisfies and fuels?

There’s a special place in traditional home cooking for meals that bring warmth, comfort, and strength all in one bowl. This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice is exactly that kind of dish. Rooted in Southern-inspired flavors, it celebrates the beauty of simple pantry spices, tender chicken, and rice simmered gently until every grain absorbs rich, savory goodness. 🌾🍗

Cajun-style cooking has always been about making the most of what you have—layering spices carefully, building flavor slowly, and feeding people well. In this recipe, Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish, while the creamy sauce softens the spices and ties everything together. The chicken provides plenty of protein, making this meal not only comforting, but also nourishing and satisfying after a long day.

What makes this recipe truly special is how practical it is. Everything cooks in one pan, saving time and cleanup, while still delivering a dinner that feels generous and homemade. It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want everyone at the table to feel full, cared for, and content. Rich, creamy, gently spiced, and deeply comforting—this is comfort food done the simple, traditional way. 🍽️✨

Ingredients 🛒

Main Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Rice & Sauce

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup bell peppers, diced
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Season the chicken
   Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a light pinch of salt.
2. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the base
   In the same pan, add diced onion (and bell peppers if using). Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add rice and broth
   Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the pan flavors. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the rice
   Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Make it creamy
   Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Return the chicken
   Add the chicken back to the pan. Cover and cook another 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and everything is well combined.
8. Finish and serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Nutritional Information 🥗

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~520 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️