Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowls (Printable View)
Creamy Cajun chicken with peppers and parmesan over fluffy rice — a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Rice
04 - 1 1/4 cups long grain white rice
05 - 2 cups chicken broth
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Sauce
11 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 cup milk
13 - 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
14 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the runoff is clear. Combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
02 - Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring all surfaces are evenly covered.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, add diced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped red onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, milk, and cubed cream cheese to the vegetables. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
06 - Stir in grated parmesan, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Return cooked chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until fully heated.
08 - Fluff the rice and divide among four serving bowls. Top each with the creamy Cajun chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This creamy Cajun chicken packs so much flavor you’ll want to sneak forkfuls straight from the pan.
- The recipe is a lifesaver on nights you want dinner to feel special but need it to come together fast.
02 -
- Start with dry chicken—extra moisture will stop it from browning, and you’ll miss out on those tasty crispy bits.
- If you rush the melting of cream cheese, it can lump; patience here makes for a velvet-smooth sauce every time.
03 -
- Use room temperature dairy ingredients—they blend in much faster and prevent lumps.
- Homemade Cajun seasoning lets you tweak heat and smokiness just the way you like it.