Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet | Flavorful & Easy Dinner

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 3 tablespoons flour; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved; ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons lime juice; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly when you’re short on time but still want something delicious on the table. Trust me, you’re going to love how creamy, spicy, and downright satisfying this skillet meal is.

This image shows a black cast iron pan filled with three pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, each partially covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce mixed with small bits of red and green herbs. The sauce has a smooth texture and surrounds the chicken pieces, with lime wedges placed evenly around the pan for decoration. A wooden spoon rests in the upper right corner of the pan. 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
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my absolute go-tos when I want a rich and creamy meal without fussing over multiple pots and pans. It balances the warmth of Cajun spices with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to tender chicken perfectly. Plus, it's incredibly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Bold, Balanced Flavors: The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce bring just the right kick without overpowering the creamy, cheesy sauce.
One-Skillet Wonder: You’ll appreciate how everything cooks in the same pan, meaning less cleanup and more time eating.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the spice from mild to fiery depending on your mood or who you’re cooking for.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect texture. I’ve made this dish both with store-bought and homemade Cajun seasoning—and each time, the magic happens when you deglaze the pan with the reserved tomato juice.

Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, three uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro roughly chopped, several lime wedges arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of golden butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red-hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano and mustard powder mixed, a small white ceramic bowl of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes mixed, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red diced tomatoes with green chilies and their juice, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded cheddar jack cheese, all 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: Slicing and pounding chicken thin ensures quick, even cooking and tender results.
Cajun seasoning: The star blend of spices that bring smoky, earthy heat. Feel free to use your favorite brand or make your own.
Flour: Lightly coating the chicken helps build a golden crust and thickens the sauce later on.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without heavy cream overpowering the flavor.
Heavy cream or half and half: Creates the silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent but still approachable.
Honey and brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the heat and tang from the Cajun spices and hot sauce.
Hot sauce: Adds tang and heat, amplifying the bold Cajun notes. I prefer Frank’s, but choose what you like.
Butter and garlic: These aromatics enrich the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a zesty, umami-packed brightness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Cheddar jack cheese: Melts smoothly to give the sauce a rich, cheesy finish.
Lime juice: A splash at the end wakes up all the flavors and adds a fresh tang.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: The finishing touch for brightness and herbaceousness when serving.

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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

I love swapping things up with this recipe depending on what I have in the fridge. It’s really forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: Adding black beans and corn is a favorite of mine for extra heartiness and texture. It turns this skillet into a complete meal with a pop of sweetness.
Heat Adjustment: My kid prefers it mild, so I just use 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes—still tasty but gentler.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a creamy, dairy-free twist.
Cheese Choices: I often mix Monterey Jack and cheddar for a gooey but balanced finish. Grating cheese yourself makes a big difference.

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

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface holding two main parts. On the left, there is a mound of white rice with small green herb pieces mixed in, topped with two green lime wedges at the plate's edge. On the right, there are two golden-brown cooked chicken pieces covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible small red and green diced vegetables. A silver fork rests on the rice, pointing towards the chicken. The plate edges and food textures are clear and vibrant. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get thinner pieces—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then I cover them with plastic wrap and use the textured side of my meat mallet to gently pound them to about ½ inch thick. This step is key to getting tender chicken that’s not dry.

Step 2: Season and Flour the Chicken

Next, I sprinkle the chicken on both sides with Cajun seasoning and a light dusting of flour. The flour helps give the chicken a nice crust when seared and also thickens the sauce later. Don’t skip this step—it really elevates the texture!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I sear the chicken in batches—about 4-5 minutes per side—until you get a beautiful golden crust. Remove and set aside. This searing locks in flavor and juices.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

After the chicken is done, I pour in the reserved tomato juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then I add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Next, I stir in flour and keep stirring for a couple of minutes until it cooks off the raw taste.

Slowly add the sauce mixture I prepped earlier (chicken broth, cream, honey, Cajun spices, etc.), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the drained diced tomatoes. Let it cook down for 5-7 minutes; this lets the sauce thicken and flavors meld beautifully.

Reduce heat to low, then gently mix in shredded cheese a little at a time until silky and fully melted. Finally, stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce and Serve

Place the chicken back in the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and let everything simmer uncovered for about 4 minutes. Add lime wedges directly to the pan and simmer for another minute. Remove from heat, top with chopped cilantro, and serve!

Top Tip

I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and a few little tricks really transform it into something spectacular. These tips come straight from my kitchen trials to yours!

Perfect Thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly means it cooks through without drying out—don’t skip this step unless you want uneven cooking.
Deglaze Like a Pro: Use the reserved tomato juice to scrape up every flavorful brown bit left in the pan after searing—it’s the secret to a rich, intense sauce.
Cheese Quality Matters: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes fresher than pre-shredded—grab a block and shred just before cooking.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting it simmer to reduce and thicken develops fantastic depth; patience here rewards you with a luscious sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

The images show a two-step cooking process in a black skillet with a beige handle on a white marbled surface. In the first image, a creamy, pale yellow sauce is being stirred with a red spatula with white polka dots, while a woman's hand pours more liquid cream into the pan, creating swirls of thick sauce and visible black spots of spices or seasoning. In the second image, the same creamy sauce has thickened and shows a pile of finely chopped red tomatoes placed in the center, offering a bright contrast against the pale yellow sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a handful of fresh, roughly chopped cilantro—it adds a fresh, herbal contrast that brightens every bite. I also love squeezing extra lime juice over the top right before digging in; it elevates the creaminess with a tangy punch.

Side Dishes

My personal favorite sides to pair are fluffy cilantro-lime rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce. Sometimes I serve it alongside black beans or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual cast iron skillets straight at the table—it’s cozy and always gets compliments. You can top each portion with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep great for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—bonus!

Freezing

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe freezes very well. I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and they last about 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a gentle oven method—cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy, unlike microwaving which can sometimes dry it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe?

The heat level is moderate by default, thanks to the hot sauce and Cajun spices. You can easily reduce the spice by using less hot sauce and omitting cayenne or red pepper flakes, or increase it for more kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for canned coconut milk (full fat for best results), and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether. The dish will still be creamy and full of flavor.

What should I serve with this Cajun chicken skillet?

It pairs beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad. I also enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. Lime wedges and fresh cilantro as garnishes bring everything together nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s satisfying, straightforward, and utterly delicious. I hope you find it as comforting and fun to make as I do—it’s truly one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to, especially on busy weeknights when you want a little spice and a lot of flavor. Give it a try, and let me know how your skillet turns out!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way