Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet 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 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; 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

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that comes together in one skillet, bursting with bold, creamy flavors. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly that—rich, spicy, and downright comforting. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes afterward.

The dish is shown in a round black pan filled with three large pieces of browned chicken covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce with small bits of red and green herbs sprinkled on top. Several green lime wedges are placed inside the sauce around the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The sauce looks rich and smooth, slightly glossy with some texture from the herbs and spices. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the pan. The pan is set 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 say enough about how this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s got that beautiful balance of spice and creaminess that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas as it cooks, and it’s always met with smiles around the table.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Bold Cajun Flavors: The seasoning blend delivers just the right kick of heat and smokiness, balanced perfectly by the creamy sauce.
Quick & Easy: The prep and cooking time are super reasonable, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic comes from layering bold Cajun flavors with a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs the chicken just right. Here’s why each ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen stash when making this dish.

Flat lay of two large raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, a small mound of light brown flour, three unopened whole garlic bulbs next to three peeled garlic cloves, three tablespoons golden butter sticks, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl with bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl with rich orange chicken broth, a small white bowl holding a vibrant mixture of diced red tomatoes and green chilies, a small pile of shredded pale yellow cheddar jack cheese, a fresh lime cut into wedges, and a small bunch of roughly chopped bright green cilantro all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on simple white ceramic dishes 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: Sliced thin and pounded for even cooking, they soak up the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: This blend is the heart of the dish—smoky, spicy, and perfectly balanced. I like using McCormick’s, but you can make your own or adjust to your heat preference.
Flour: Dusting the chicken adds a delightful texture and helps thicken the sauce later on.
Chicken broth: Provides a rich base for the sauce; it deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess—half and half works too if you want it a bit lighter.
Honey: Balances the heat and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
Hot sauce: I swear by Frank’s for its tangy heat that complements but doesn’t overpower.
Brown sugar & spices (mustard powder, oregano, cayenne, red pepper flakes): These layers of flavor bring warmth and depth with just a touch of fire.
Butter & garlic: They’re the aromatic foundation of the sauce, adding richness and that irresistible garlicky kick.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a pop of freshness and subtle heat, plus the reserved juice is perfect for deglazing.
Cheddar jack cheese: Melts into the sauce, making every bite creamy and cheesy in the best way.
Lime juice: A squeeze of brightness to cut through the richness and elevate all the flavors.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for serving): These fresh garnishes add color and a zesty finish that balances the richness.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re dialing down the heat or adding veggies, this skillet adapts beautifully.

Mild Version: When I want less kick, I cut back on the hot sauce and skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes—still delicious but gentler on the palate.
Extra Veggies: Adding black beans or corn when the tomatoes go in is a fun way to bulk up the dish and add color and texture.
Cheese Choices: Mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or even mozzarella gives a smoother melt; I like shredding from a block for best texture.
Dairy-Free Swap: You can use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free butter for a tasty alternative.

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

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with two lime wedges at the top edge. The plate has two main parts: on the left is a mound of white rice sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, and on the right is a piece of golden-brown cooked chicken covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible small pieces of tomatoes and herbs. A silver fork rests on the rice, pointing diagonally from the bottom center of the plate to the top left. The creamy sauce slightly spreads onto the plate around the chicken, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Like a Pro

First, take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise so you get thinner pieces—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. I cover mine with plastic wrap and lightly pound them to about half an inch thickness using the textured side of a meat mallet. Then, sprinkle both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning before dusting lightly with flour. The flour isn’t just for texture; it helps create that lovely crust and thickens the sauce later. Don’t rush this step—it really makes a difference.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon or two of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, carefully add the chicken. I like to sear them in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden crust here—resist the urge to flip too soon. Once done, set the chicken aside; you’ll return it to the pan later.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. Pour the reserved juice from the diced tomatoes into the skillet to deglaze, loosening all those flavorful brown bits—the “fond.” Use a spatula to scrape the skillet bottom; these bits pack a punch of flavor into your sauce. Then, toss in the butter and minced garlic, cooking just about a minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the rawness. Slowly whisk in the pre-mixed sauce ingredients (chicken broth, cream, honey, hot sauce, etc.) in small splashes, stirring continuously—it helps avoid lumps and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Bring it up to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the drained diced tomatoes and let the sauce thicken and the flavors meld for about 5 to 7 minutes. This patience pays off—your sauce will taste deep, spicy, and creamy all at once.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Lime & Chicken

Turn the heat down to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar jack cheese until melted and silky. Then add the lime juice to brighten everything up. Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, spooning it over the top. Let it simmer uncovered for another 4 minutes to soak up all that gorgeous sauce. Add fresh lime wedges directly to the skillet and a quick simmer for one more minute before removing from heat.

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top, and you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really ensure this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe turns out perfectly every time. These little tweaks helped me avoid common pitfalls and get consistently rich, balanced flavors.

Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken: It helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy without drying out—plus, thinner pieces absorb seasoning better.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Block cheese melts far better and gives you that silky creamy texture—pre-shredded cheese has added starch that affects melting.
Deglaze with Tomato Juice: Those browned bits in the pan pack a ton of flavor, and using the Rotel juice keeps your sauce perfectly balanced and bright.
Simmer Low and Slow: Bringing the sauce up to a gentle bubble rather than a full boil keeps it smooth and prevents breaking.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh finishing touches, so I love adding a generous sprinkle of roughly chopped cilantro—it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Lime wedges on the side give everyone the chance to brighten their plate with a quick squeeze. If you want a bit more crunch, thinly sliced green onions are a great addition too.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy white rice cooked in chicken broth (which I’ll share my foolproof method for below), creamy mashed potatoes, or even crispy roasted vegetables. Beans or a fresh green salad lighten the meal just right and add some balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a casual dinner party, I spooned the creamy Cajun chicken over crisp lettuce leaves for a fun taco-like presentation. It was a hit and made it feel a bit more festive. You could even serve the sauce and chicken over creamy grits for a Southern twist. A warm crusty bread alongside for mopping up the sauce never goes amiss either!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so sometimes I add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up. It reheats beautifully, making it a great meal to plan ahead.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When I want a quick meal, I thaw it overnight in the fridge (or defrost in the microwave). It keeps its creamy texture and flavor well.

Reheating

To reheat, I like baking it in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky rather than drying out like microwaving can. If the sauce is too thick, just stir in a little broth or cream before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dust the chicken and thicken the sauce. Ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to reduce the heat in this recipe?

To tone down the spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, use only 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, or substitute regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel with green chilies. You can also add a bit more cream or cheese to mellow the heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great too, and they stay juicy and tender. You might need a slightly longer cooking time depending on thickness, and consider trimming excess fat for quicker cooking.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with this skillet?

I love serving this dish with chicken broth-cooked rice because it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal nicely for a balanced plate.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug on a plate. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why comfort food with a little kick can brighten even the busiest days. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your cherished kitchen staples. Grab your skillet, a little Cajun magic, and get ready for a delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again!