Introduction

This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a spicy Cajun twist to your dinner table. Marinated chicken breasts cooked to a perfect golden crust are served over fragrant garlic rice and topped with a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a great option for a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent yet homemade.

The image shows three glass containers arranged in a row on a white marbled surface. Each container holds a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is a bed of golden-brown rice with visible grains, slightly fluffy in texture, while the top layer consists of a dark brown, crispy fried cutlet covered with a creamy white sauce sprinkled with small green herbs. The containers are rectangular, and the food looks freshly made, with the background softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning Mix: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder
800 g chicken breast, cut into halves
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning mix (from above) for marinating
2 tsp olive oil
25 g grass-fed butter for cooking
2 cups uncooked long-grain rice (or 4 cups cooked, day-old rice)
1 medium red onion, chopped
4–5 garlic cloves, chopped
½ tbsp Cajun seasoning mix (for rice)
Fresh parsley for garnish
15 g grass-fed butter (for sauce)
½ tbsp Cajun seasoning mix (for sauce)
250 ml milk
150 g light cream cheese
40 g Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning mix with olive oil and coat the chicken breasts evenly. Marinate overnight in an airtight glass container for best flavor.
Step 2: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and melt 25 grams of grass-fed butter. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they develop a crispy, golden crust on both sides. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic cloves until fragrant. Add ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning mix, then toss in the day-old rice. Stir well so the rice is evenly coated with spices and flavors.
Step 4: Lower the heat and melt 15 grams of butter in the pan. Add ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning mix, then slowly whisk in the milk. Warm the mixture gently before stirring in the cream cheese and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: To serve, layer the Cajun rice on plates, top with sliced chicken strips, and drizzle the creamy sauce over all. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Use day-old cooked rice for best texture and to help the rice absorb the Cajun spices well.
Cooking the chicken in a cast iron skillet can help achieve a perfect crispy crust.
Adjust the cream cheese amount to make the sauce thicker or thinner to your liking.
For a dairy-free version, swap milk and cream cheese for coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk when reheating the sauce to loosen it if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows three rectangular clear glass containers placed on a white marbled surface in a straight line. Each container holds a dish with two visible layers: a base layer of golden-brown shredded or thinly sliced food that looks like cooked rice or noodles, and on top, a thick, dark brown crispy piece of meat or vegetable. A creamy white sauce covers the center part of the crispy layer on each dish, garnished with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The containers are aligned from front to back, with the closest container in full view and the other two slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cooked rice instead of day-old rice?

Yes, but day-old rice works best as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry a bit before cooking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the sauce?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer sauce or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the dish dairy-free. Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired creaminess.