Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Recipe – Spicy One-Pan Dinner with Cream Sauce & Peppers

Southern Comfort in a Skillet

If you’re craving bold flavor wrapped in creamy comfort, Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is your skillet savior. This dish is a Southern-inspired one-pan wonder that brings together the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning, the richness of a velvety cream sauce, and the satisfying heartiness of rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

What makes it a go-to for flavor lovers? The balance. You get spice without overwhelming heat, creaminess without heaviness, and texture from tender chicken and crisp bell peppers. Inspired by favorites like Gimme Delicious’s Creamy Cajun Chicken, Hundred Recipes’ rice-infused version, and I Like To Dabble’s comforting take, this dish has earned its place in the comfort food hall of fame. Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or a seasoned fan, this skillet meal delivers soul-satisfying flavor in every bite.

What Is Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice?

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a one-pan meal that packs a punch of flavor and comfort. It starts with boneless, skinless chicken—breasts or thighs—generously coated in Cajun seasoning and pan-seared until golden. The chicken is then nestled into a creamy sauce made with garlic, onion, and bell peppers, creating a rich base that’s both savory and slightly spicy.

The magic lies in the sauce: a blend of heavy cream and chicken broth that simmers into a luscious coating for the chicken. Rice—whether white, brown, or jasmine—is either stirred in at the end or served underneath, soaking up all that delicious flavor. The result is a complete dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting. It’s a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser, all in one skillet. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple for home cooks who crave bold, creamy meals.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work best. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
• Cajun seasoning: Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for better control over salt and spice.
• Garlic, onion, bell peppers: These aromatics build the flavor base and add texture.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Heavy cream gives a richer sauce, while half-and-half lightens it slightly.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
• Cooked rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice all work well. Cook separately or stir in at the end.
• Olive oil or butter: For searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.

Optional add-ins:

• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Green onions or parsley: For a fresh garnish and color contrast.

Tip: Homemade Cajun seasoning lets you tailor the heat and salt levels. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper for a balanced blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Generously coat both sides of your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced bell peppers until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return the chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Cover and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Add rice: Stir in cooked rice just before serving, or spoon the sauce and chicken over a bed of rice. Mixing it in allows the rice to soak up the creamy goodness.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, green onions, or grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Bold Tips:

• Balance spice with cream: If it’s too spicy, add a splash more cream or a pinch of sugar.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing—this helps the chicken brown properly.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or Parmesan at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple dishes can go sideways—here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Sear until golden, then finish cooking gently in the sauce.
• Using low-fat cream: Lower-fat options like milk or light cream can cause the sauce to split or turn watery. Stick with heavy cream or half-and-half for best results.
• Skipping seasoning: Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish. Under-seasoning will leave it bland. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Adding rice too early: If you stir in uncooked or undercooked rice too soon, it can absorb too much liquid and become mushy. Always use fully cooked rice and add it at the end.

Pro Tip: If your sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll have a creamy, spicy, and satisfying skillet meal every time.