High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken (Printer-Friendly)

Tender Cajun-spiced chicken atop aromatic rice, coated in a smooth creamy sauce with a parsley finish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Spice Blend

01 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning mix (blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper)
02 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Protein

04 - 2 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approx. 10 oz each)

→ Fats & Oils

05 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
07 - 1 tbsp additional unsalted butter (for sauce preparation)

→ Rice Base

08 - 1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (preferably day-old)
09 - 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (~60 g)
10 - 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

→ Creamy Sauce

11 - 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
12 - 2 oz light cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
14 - 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning mix (for sauce)

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Combine chicken breasts with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning mix and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of grass-fed butter. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook until a golden, crispy crust forms on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest to retain juices.
03 - In the same skillet, sauté chopped red onion and minced garlic cloves over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the cooked rice and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning mix. Toss to coat the rice evenly and heat through.
04 - Reduce the heat to low and melt the additional 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Whisk in 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, then gradually add whole milk, stirring continuously until warmed. Incorporate softened cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan, whisking until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
05 - Spoon a generous portion of Cajun rice onto each plate. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange on top. Drizzle the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use day-old rice for the best texture as it prevents sogginess and absorbs flavors more effectively.
02 - Rest the cooked chicken for at least 5 minutes to enhance juiciness.
03 - Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity to suit your preference by varying the amount used.