If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with bold Cajun flavor, this Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken is the dish for you. Juicy, pan-seared chicken coated in a silky garlic herb cream sauce with just the right touch of spice—this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in under 40 minutes. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to create such a luxurious, flavorful meal using pantry staples. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting, unforgettable dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Cajun chicken delivers everything you want in a hearty dinner: spice, creaminess, and tenderness. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfectly balanced by the smooth, garlicky herb sauce. You’ll love that it’s made in one pan for easy cleanup and that the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. It’s comforting yet full of vibrant flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the fuss.
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Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken – A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a rich, garlicky Cajun cream sauce. With aromatic herbs and a touch of spice, this easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (halved horizontally for 4 cutlets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken cutlets with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless. Chicken breasts work beautifully when pounded to even thickness; thighs stay juicy and tender.
Cajun Seasoning: A bold blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper that adds depth and heat.
Butter and Olive Oil: Used together for perfect searing and a rich base for the sauce.
Garlic: The star of the sauce—use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats the chicken.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps balance the richness of the cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for added flavor and creaminess.
Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme to complement the Cajun spices.
Paprika: Enhances color and adds mild smokiness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions
Pound the chicken to an even thickness and season generously on both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a dash of lemon juice.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Cream Chicken: Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken: Use more butter and skip the cream for a lighter yet flavorful version.
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with fettuccine or penne for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or sautéed greens.
Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Combo: Add shrimp during the final simmer for a surf-and-turf twist.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for color and flavor.
Smoky Bacon Cajun Chicken: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory punch.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a thicker, richer sauce.
Lemon Herb Variation: Add lemon zest and fresh basil for a brighter flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk for cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
How do I make homemade Cajun seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs stay juicy and flavorful.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain texture.
What pairs best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta all work perfectly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Why did my sauce separate?
It overheated—always simmer gently, never boil, after adding cream.
Can I freeze Cajun chicken?
Yes, but thaw in the fridge and reheat gently for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken is a perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and comfort—all made in one pan. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that’s full of personality, combining Cajun heat with a rich, garlicky sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, it’s a meal that turns any dinner into a flavorful feast. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to recipe for both busy nights and special occasions.
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