Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken with spicy Cajun seasoning served atop creamy parmesan-infused rice.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

→ Spices & Seasonings

02 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika

→ Dairy

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Cook rice according to package instructions until tender but slightly firm. Set aside.
02 - Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken slices. Adjust seasoning to your preferred spice level.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken and keep warm.
04 - Discard excess oil from skillet with paper towel. Melt butter over medium heat, then gradually whisk in heavy cream. Add additional Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and transfer most of the sauce to a bowl, leaving some in skillet.
05 - Add cooked rice to the skillet with remaining sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Thinly slice the chicken and arrange atop the sauced rice. Drizzle with reserved creamy sauce before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
02 - Toast Cajun seasoning lightly in skillet before cooking chicken to deepen flavor.
03 - Continuous gentle stirring of sauce prevents curdling and sticking.