Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between bold Cajun spices and the creamy, comforting richness of garlic parmesan sauce. It’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without demanding hours in the kitchen. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the flavors melded so beautifully, and I’m excited to share it with you!

This recipe works wonders when you want something hearty and satisfying that can feed a family or impress guests with minimal fuss. You’ll find that the tender chicken paired with fluffy, flavorful rice and that luscious sauce makes for a complete meal in one skillet. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on what you have in your pantry, so it feels like a kitchen win every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping it simple and approachable. Using fresh garlic and bell peppers really brightens the dish, and the spices add depth and warmth.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: These basics amp up seasoning and complement the Cajun spices perfectly.
• Kinder’s Buttery Poultry Blend: This seasoning adds a lovely buttery savory note; you can substitute with a similar poultry seasoning blend.
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning: It’s packed with that classic Louisiana flavor punch—don’t skip it!
• Avocado Oil: I love this oil because it tolerates high heat and isn’t overpowering.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning the chicken and sauce flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth.
• Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers: Using all three colors makes the dish visually vibrant and full of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential here for that aromatic punch.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tang and umami to the rice base.
• Basmati Rice: I recommend basmati because it cooks up fluffy and separate, which works great under the robust flavors.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Brings smoky sweetness and juiciness.
• Chicken Bouillon or Chicken Broth: For that savory depth and to cook the rice with flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The base for the sauce that adds luscious creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts beautifully into the sauce.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in season or what my family is craving. This recipe is forgiving and adapts well, so feel free to get creative or tailor it to your needs.

• Spicier Version: I once added extra Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning and a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that my spice-loving husband adored.
• Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms with the peppers for more veggies and texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free if you double-check your seasonings and use gluten-free chicken broth.
• Use Jasmine Rice: If you switch to jasmine rice, you’ll need to cook it slightly longer for the perfect texture.

How to Make Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by coating your chicken thighs or breasts with avocado oil and then generously rub in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, Kinder’s Buttery Poultry Blend, and Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning. I don’t measure precisely here—I just make sure every piece is well coated. Heat a mix of oil and butter in your skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Setting the chicken aside at this point allows you to focus on building the rice base without overcooking the meat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Build Flavor

Using the same skillet (because we want all those chicken bits stuck to the pan), sauté diced yellow onion and the trio of bell peppers for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then add minced garlic and cook for just another minute so its flavor doesn’t turn bitter. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook 2 to 3 minutes, which intensifies the richness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Simmer

Toss in the basmati rice, fire roasted diced tomatoes, chicken bouillon (or broth), and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and fully absorbed the savory juices. This step is where everything melds together, so resist the urge to lift the lid too often!

Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and 2 to 3 teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sauce is the magic touch that transforms this dish from great to unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the rice, then pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the top. Give it a gentle stir if you like, or leave the sauce pooling in luscious pockets around the chicken for a lovely presentation. Let it all rest for a couple of minutes so the flavors can marry perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness. A little squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish, cutting through the creamy sauce and bringing everything to life.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a one-pan meal, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture and freshness. Garlic bread is also fantastic to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of the creamy rice, then drizzle more garlic parmesan sauce artistically around the plate. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds visual appeal and ties the dish together beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I let everything cool down completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, leftovers keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing portions of this dish in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to keep the sauce separate or add a bit more cream when reheating to refresh the texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or water to loosen the sauce and avoid curdling. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through keeps things evenly heated and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple. I love how it fills my kitchen with inviting aromas and earns compliments every time I serve it. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a treat but isn’t a hassle to make, give this one a go—you’ll be so glad you did!

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