High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Why Make This Recipe
This High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice dish is a delightful way to enjoy chicken while packing in protein. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. The creamy sauce, flavored with Cajun spices, will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s simple to make and works well for dinner or meal prep!
How to Make High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
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 Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 2 Tsp Olive Oil
- 25 g Grass Fed Butter for Cooking
- 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
- 1/2 Cajun Seasoning Mix
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 1/2 Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
Directions:
Marinate the chicken breast pieces overnight with Cajun Seasoning Mix and olive oil. Make sure each piece is well coated for the best flavor. Seal in flavor with an airtight glass container—this is way better than plastic bags for overnight marinades.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat, and melt the grass-fed butter. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a crispy, golden crust. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
In the same pan, sauté chopped red onion and garlic cloves until fragrant. Add the remaining Cajun Seasoning Mix and toss in day-old rice. Stir until the rice is well coated with all the flavors.
Lower the heat and melt the butter in the pan. Add the Cajun Seasoning Mix, then slowly whisk in the milk. Once warmed through, add the light cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Layer the Cajun rice on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Serve this dish warm on a plate. You can add more fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. This recipe goes well with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving again.
Tips to Make High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
- Ensure to marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet to achieve a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Don’t rush the melting of the butter; let it melt gently for the best sauce.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. You might also try substituting the chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice or any type of rice you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild to medium spice level due to the Cajun seasoning. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the light cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Marinade
- 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
Cooking
- 25 g Grass Fed Butter for Cooking
- 1 Medium Red Onion (chopped)
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
- 1.5 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 250 ml Milk
- 150 g Light Cream Cheese
- 40 g Parmesan
- 15 g Grass Fed Butter
- 1/2 Tsp Cajun Seasoning Mix (additional)
- leftover Day-old rice
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken breast pieces overnight with Cajun Seasoning Mix and olive oil in an airtight glass container.
Cooking
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and melt the grass-fed butter. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a crispy, golden crust and let it rest before slicing.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the remaining Cajun Seasoning Mix and day-old rice, stirring until well coated.
- Lower the heat, add butter, and melt. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the light cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Layer the Cajun rice on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.