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High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice with golden chicken strips over fluffy rice drizzled with cream sauce

High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

A comforting high-protein dinner featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken breast served over fluffy rice with a creamy, spiced sauce. Perfect for meal prep with 53g of protein per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 532

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp salt for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp oregano for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp thyme for Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika for Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika recommended
  • 1 tsp chili powder for Cajun seasoning
  • 1.75 lbs chicken breast cut into halves, about 800g
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Mix for marinade
  • 2 tsp olive oil for marinade
  • 25 g grass-fed butter for cooking chicken
  • 1 medium red onion chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic chopped
  • 0.5 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Mix for rice
  • 3 cups day-old cooked rice about 600g, white or brown rice works
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 15 g grass-fed butter for sauce
  • 0.5 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Mix for sauce
  • 1 cup milk 250ml
  • 5.3 oz light cream cheese 150g
  • 1.4 oz Parmesan cheese 40g, freshly grated recommended

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch pan or cast iron skillet
  • Whisk
  • Airtight container for marinating
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl. In an airtight container, combine chicken breast halves with 1.5 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Coat each piece thoroughly and refrigerate overnight for best results (minimum 30 minutes if short on time).
  2. Heat a 12-inch pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt 25g butter. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. In the same pan over medium heat, sauté chopped red onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the pan and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Add 3 cups of day-old rice and toss for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well coated with seasonings.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add 15g butter to the pan. Once melted, add remaining 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  6. Once milk is warmed (about 2 minutes), add cream cheese in small chunks and stir until completely melted and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until sauce is silky and creamy. Add a splash more milk if sauce seems too thick.
  7. Plate the Cajun rice, arrange sliced chicken strips on top, and generously drizzle the creamy sauce over everything. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken overnight in refrigerator. Day-old rice works better than fresh as it's less sticky. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat, or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for tangier flavor. Rice should be cooked ahead of time and cooled before using in this recipe.