Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken – Easy One-Pan Dinner with Juicy Chicken Breasts, Cajun Spice & Velvety Garlic Herb Sauce
Samantha
This Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken is the ultimate one-pan dinner—juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a velvety garlic herb cream sauce with Cajun spice. Packed with flavor and nearly 40g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy comfort food nights. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a customizable family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Cajun-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt for lighter option
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
- 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, parmesan, thyme, and parsley, stirring until creamy.
Simmer: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Secret Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken
1. Pound the chicken evenly for perfect cooking: Flattening your chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy without burning the Cajun seasoning. This also helps create a beautiful golden crust when searing, which is key to the flavor of this one-pan Cajun chicken recipe.
2. Don’t rush the sear: Heat your pan until hot before adding the chicken. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop that flavorful crust. This caramelization adds depth to your creamy garlic herb sauce and locks in moisture for tender, juicy chicken every time.
3. Deglaze the pan for extra flavor: After searing, pour a splash of chicken broth or white wine into the pan and scrape up the browned bits — that’s where the magic happens! Those bits blend beautifully into the Cajun garlic cream sauce, creating layers of flavor that elevate this dish.
4. Balance the Cajun heat: Cajun seasoning varies in spice levels. Taste your sauce before adding salt or extra pepper — you want warmth and smokiness without overpowering the creamy garlic base. If you love spice, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a flavorful kick to this Cajun chicken dinner.
5. Use fresh herbs for a bright finish: Stir in chopped parsley or thyme just before serving to enhance the herb-infused creamy sauce. The herbs bring freshness and contrast to the rich butter and garlic flavors.
6. Rest the chicken before slicing: Letting your chicken sit for a few minutes before cutting allows the juices to redistribute. This keeps every bite moist and flavorful, especially when paired with the creamy Cajun sauce over mashed potatoes or rice.
7. Make it a full meal: Pair your creamy Cajun chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice to soak up every drop of the luscious garlic herb sauce. It’s a quick, comforting one-pan dinner that tastes restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
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