Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 24 ounces); 2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium red onion, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 bell peppers (any color combo), chopped into 1” pieces; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 tsp cornstarch); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a one-pan dinner that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe does exactly that—delivering tender chicken smothered in a dreamy, spicy sauce that feels both fancy and totally doable on any weeknight.

A round stainless steel pan holds four browned chicken pieces with a crispy texture on top. They sit in a thick, creamy light orange sauce mixed with small diced vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers and bits of herbs that add green specks on the sauce and chicken. A gold spoon rests inside the pan on the right side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this creamy Cajun skillet when I want something comforting yet vibrant. The blend of spices, creamy Parmesan sauce, and the quick skillet method means you’re in for bold, satisfying flavors without a ton of fuss.

Simple One-Pan Cooking: It’s essentially a whole dinner in one skillet—easy cleanup and all the flavors mingling perfectly.
Rich & Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luscious sauce that’s indulgent but balanced by bright lime juice and spices.
Perfectly Spiced Chicken: Cajun seasonings are bold but not overpowering, giving the chicken a nice kick without hiding its natural juiciness.
Flexible & Adaptable: You can easily tweak veggies or spice levels, making it your own go-to for busy nights or casual gatherings.

A close-up of four browned pieces of chicken in a white pan filled with creamy sauce, the sauce is light orange with specks of herbs, small chunks of red and orange vegetables are mixed in. The chicken pieces are browned with a rough texture and sprinkled with green herbs on top. A golden spoon is resting on the pan’s edge and is partly covered in sauce. The surface under the pan has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role here, coming together to build layers of flavor and texture. Knowing a bit about why they matter helps you tweak confidently and even swap in what you have on hand.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with a natural pink hue, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a few pats of creamy butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder spices, a small pile of coarse salt, small piles of dried oregano and dried thyme leaves, a tiny pile of black pepper, a small pinch of cayenne pepper, half of a medium red onion chopped into pieces, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with halved vibrant red cherry tomatoes, two chopped bell peppers in yellow and red, four whole unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with thick, pale heavy cream, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, a small pile of finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Thick and juicy, they soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully and get that golden sear when pounded evenly.
Flour: Acts as a light coating to crisp the chicken and helps thicken the sauce later.
Butter & olive oil: The fat combo adds richness and prevents the chicken from sticking while giving a lovely flavor base.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper: This signature Cajun spice blend is what gives the dish its signature smoky, aromatic heat and depth.
Red onion, bell peppers, garlic: Fresh veggies that soften and sweeten, perfectly balancing the spices and creamy sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Their brightness bursts in the sauce, adding freshness and a touch of acidity.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps build the sauce.
Cornstarch: The secret to a velvety sauce—keeps everything smooth and luscious.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky; evaporated milk is a lighter swap if you prefer.
Lime juice: A splash of acidity that brightens and balances all the creamy richness.
Parmesan cheese: Brings an umami punch and helps thicken the sauce further, making it irresistibly cheesy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve tried swapping veggies, tweaking spice levels, and even making it a bit lighter depending on what’s in my fridge and how I’m feeling.

Variation: When I want a bit more heat, I up the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of cayenne flakes right at the end—you can totally control how spicy it gets!
Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms, and it still works beautifully with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Seasonal swaps: In summer, I love adding fresh corn or zucchini along with the bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Lightened up: Using evaporated milk instead of heavy cream cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season with Love

First, mix those amazing Cajun spices with the flour right in a shallow dish—it’s quick and gives you perfectly seasoned chicken. Slice your chicken breasts in half to create cutlets, pound them evenly (this keeps them juicy and cooks them through faster), and pat dry before dredging in the spice-flour mix. Trust me, this coating is magic for a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your butter and olive oil combo over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot—this is key so the chicken gets a gorgeous golden-brown color. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes depending on thickness. It’s tempting to move the chicken around early, but hold steady so you get that tasty crust. Then, set them aside on a plate while you build the sauce in the same pan.

Step 3: Build the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Without wiping the skillet (those browned bits are flavor gold), add more oil if you need, toss in onions and cook just until they begin to soften. Follow with the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and the reserved Cajun seasoning—you'll smell those spices blooming instantly! Cook everything for a couple more minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Creamy Perfection

Add half the chicken broth; then whisk the rest with cornstarch until smooth and pour it in with the cream. Let it simmer gently until thickened — patience here pays off with a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of chicken. Then, stir in Parmesan and lime juice for that final umami and tang that tricks your taste buds into thinking it's restaurant quality.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pop the chicken back into the skillet just to heat through in that beautiful sauce. Taste and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you want an extra kick. Don’t forget to add fresh parsley or an extra squeeze of lime—these bright notes make the dish pop.

Top Tip

I’ve made this dish dozens of times and a few things always make a difference between “meh” and “wow.” Here’s what I’ve learned to get it just right every time.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness means it cooks evenly and stays juicy—you’ll love how tender it turns out.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; give the chicken space to form a crisp crust, which adds amazing texture and flavor.
Use Warm Gradual Simmer: Bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer instead of boiling prevents separating and keeps it silky.
Adjust Spice After Tasting: It’s easier to add more cayenne or salt at the end than try to fix an over-seasoned dish—taste often!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish off with plenty of freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lime juice right on the table. The parsley adds fresh color and subtle herbiness, while the lime juice perks up the creamy sauce with a vibrant zing.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of sauce. I’ve also served it over pasta or even creamy grits for a Southern twist. A simple green salad or garlicky bread rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and extra Parmesan. It feels elegant but stays true to that comforting vibe. You can also serve it family-style right in the skillet—guests love digging into the saucy goodness right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; the sauce thickens up overnight and gets even more flavorful. Just reheat gently to prevent the cream from separating.

Freezing

Freezing is doable but I prefer to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. The cream sauce can sometimes change texture when frozen, but reheated with a bit of broth, it comes back nicely.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. This helps maintain that lovely creamy consistency without curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully and add even more juiciness. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you want a lighter version, evaporated milk works well combined with a teaspoon of cornstarch to maintain thickness. Alternatively, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can add creaminess with some flavor twists.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use the lower end of the cayenne measurement or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep parts of the recipe ahead: season the chicken and chop the veggies to speed up cooking. The full assembled dish can be stored in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it feels like a treat but comes together so fast. Each time I make it, the comforting creaminess paired with that smoky Cajun kick reminds me why simple can be extraordinary. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and make some magic in your own kitchen!