Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful creamy tomato and Parmesan cheese sauce. With a perfect balance of cajun spices and creaminess, this dish is ideal served over rice or pasta for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (three breasts, butterflied and cut in half)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2-3 Tablespoons cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 30 oz. fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz. parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more to serve)
To Serve
- Rice or pasta (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts and slice each in half. In a bowl, combine the flour, cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place three of the coated chicken breasts into the pan and cook, browning both sides for about 10 minutes or until nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Make the sauce: To the empty skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Add any remaining flour and spices mixture, stirring until well combined. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil. After a few minutes, add the whole milk and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Finish the chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and warmed, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C); it will carry over cook to 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption after removing from heat.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken over rice or pasta or sautéed vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the top and finish with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even and quicker cooking.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm safe internal temperature of chicken (165°F / 74°C).
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth and smoky flavor to the sauce—do not substitute with plain diced tomatoes for best results.
- For a lower fat option, substitute whole milk with 2% or use half-and-half if you prefer a richer sauce.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, cooked pasta, or sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
