High Protein Crema Cajun Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a rich, creamy Cajun sauce and savory seasoned rice. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a spicy, comforting meal that’s packed with protein.

Ingredients

• 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 Chilli Powder
• 800 g Chicken Breast (cut into halves)
• 1.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 25 g Grass Fed Butter (for cooking)
• 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
• 4-5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
• 0.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
• 15 g Grass Fed Butter
• 0.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
• 250 ml Milk
• 150 g Light Cream Cheese
• 40 g Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken breast pieces overnight with 1.5 tsp of Cajun seasoning mix and 2 tsp of olive oil. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
2. Step 2: Seal the marinated chicken in an airtight glass container for best results during the overnight marinade.
3. Step 3: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and melt 25 g of grass-fed butter. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a crispy, golden crust. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 0.5 tsp of Cajun seasoning mix, then toss in day-old rice. Stir well until the rice is evenly coated with the flavors.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and melt 15 g of grass-fed butter in the pan. Add 0.5 tsp of Cajun seasoning mix, then slowly whisk in the milk. Once warm, add the light cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Plate the Cajun rice, top with the sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley to finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast iron skillet for cooking chicken to achieve a better golden crust and enhanced flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder in the Cajun seasoning blend.
• Substitute light cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce with added protein.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more balance to the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a microwave until warm, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream cheese sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps it absorb flavors better when sautéed. If using fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before cooking.

Is there a substitute for grass-fed butter?

Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter or olive oil if you prefer. Grass-fed butter adds a richer flavor but isn’t essential to the recipe’s success.

High Protein Crema Cajun Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight marination)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe offers a flavorful, comforting meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy rice. Marinated chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and served over spiced rice coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from cream cheese, parmesan, and milk. Ideal for a high-protein dinner that’s packed with bold Cajun flavors and creamy goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spices & Seasonings

• 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 Chilli Powder
• 1.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix (for marinade)
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix (divided)

Protein & Fats

• 800 g Chicken Breast (cut into halves)
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 25 g Grass Fed Butter (for cooking chicken)
• 15 g Grass Fed Butter (for sauce)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
• 4–5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Dairy & Creamy Components

• 250 ml Milk
• 150 g Light Cream Cheese
• 40 g Parmesan Cheese

Staples

• Day-old cooked rice (quantity not specified, estimate ~300-350 g cooked rice)

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Combine the chicken breast pieces with 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning mix and 2 tsp olive oil. Ensure each piece is well coated and marinate overnight, preferably in an airtight glass container for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 25 g grass-fed butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until a crispy, golden crust forms. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped red onion and garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Add Seasoning and Rice: Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning mix. Then add day-old cooked rice to the pan and stir thoroughly to coat the rice with the spices and aromatics.
5. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and add 15 g grass-fed butter to the pan. Once melted, add the remaining Cajun seasoning mix followed by slowly whisking in the milk. Warm through gently.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the light cream cheese and parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly coats the rice.
7. Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun rice, top with the sliced crispy chicken, then drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Marinating chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
• Using day-old rice helps achieve better texture without clumping in the creamy sauce.
• Cast iron skillets are preferred for cooking chicken to get a perfect golden crust.
• Whisk sauces continuously to maintain smooth texture and avoid lumps.
• This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight marination)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun, American

Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy rice, high protein chicken recipe, Cajun seasoning, pan-seared chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, easy chicken dinner