Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe brings bold, comforting flavors together in one delicious dish. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with that smoky Cajun kick, while the rice soaks up all the juicy goodness from the veggies and tomatoes. Whenever I need a comforting yet impressive meal that doesn’t take forever, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that the creamy garlic parmesan sauce is the real star here—it adds a lush richness that complements the spices without overpowering them. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s super satisfying and totally doable even if you’re new to cooking Cajun flavors.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to build layers of flavor—from the Cajun-seasoned chicken to the creamy parmesan sauce. Shop for good-quality spices and use fresh garlic for the best results.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: The foundation of that classic Cajun seasoning blend—don’t skip these!
• Kinder’s Buttery Poultry Blend: Adds a rich, buttery spice note that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning: This brand is my secret weapon for authentic Cajun flavor that’s not too hot but full of depth.
• Avocado Oil: Great for high-heat cooking and neutral flavor that lets your spices shine.
• Butter: Used for sautéing to add richness and help develop a delicious crust on the chicken.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed with the peppers.
• Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers: A colorful trio that brings sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch, essential for both the rice and sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the color of the dish.
• Basmati Rice: I love its fluffy texture and aroma here; if you use jasmine, expect a slightly different cook time.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds smoky-sweet tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices.
• Chicken Bouillon or Broth: Boosts the savory depth of the rice—broth works well if you prefer less sodium.
• Heavy Cream: The base for the creamy garlic parmesan sauce that ties it all together.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts right into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. Feel free to tweak the veggies, protein, and spice level to make this Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe truly yours.

• Protein Swap: I sometimes use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a tasty twist—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms and zucchini for a rich, veggie-packed alternative.
• Spice Adjustment: If you want it milder, dial back the Slap Ya Mama seasoning or swap for a milder Cajun blend.
• Rice Substitution: Brown rice works too, but you’ll need to extend the simmer time and possibly add more liquid.

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 a generous blend of 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, which helps build that deep, smoky flavor. Heat avocado oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet, then sear the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and forms that crave-worthy crust you’ll love. Once done, set the chicken aside while you build the rest of the dish in the same pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Build Flavor

Next, toss in the diced yellow onion and colorful bell peppers straight into the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to release their sweetness. Then add your minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it! Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook 2 to 3 minutes to deepen its flavor, which really adds a layer of richness to the rice base.

Step 3: Cook the Rice with Tomatoes and Broth

Now add the basmati rice, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken bouillon (or broth), and water to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for tender, fluffy rice that has soaked up all those incredible Cajun and tomato flavors. If you use jasmine rice, just note it might take a bit longer to cook fully.

Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan and gently sauté your fresh minced garlic until fragrant—this step brings a mellow sweetness to the sauce. Pour in heavy cream and stir in a few teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning for that signature boldness. Then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently over low heat until it melts into a luscious, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what makes this recipe so memorable, so don’t rush!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the rice, then pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce all over the top. Give everything a gentle stir if you like a bit of sauce in every bite, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. I love spooning a little extra sauce over the chicken when plating—it just feels extra indulgent. And there you have it—a hearty, flavorful Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe that’s sure to wow.

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

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up nicely, cutting through the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. I’ve also served it alongside some buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the garlic parmesan sauce, which is always dessert-worthy in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate this dish in shallow bowls with the chicken sliced and neatly arranged over the rice, then drizzle the sauce artistically on top. Adding a few colorful bell pepper strips or microgreens for garnish adds an elegant touch that surprises guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! I recommend freezing in individual portions, especially if you want to avoid sogginess. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen up the sauce and keep it silky smooth. The microwave works too, but adding liquid helps keep the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe really holds a special place in my dinner rotation. It’s one of those meals that’s impressive yet totally approachable. When I’m craving comforting, flavorful food with a little Southern flair, this dish never disappoints. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in cooking and eating it as I do—trust me, your family will thank you!

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