Rich And Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe With Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with the comforting richness of cream-based gravy. It’s made in one pan, easy to customize, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The seared chicken soaks up the creamy, spicy sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Cajun seasoning
salt
black pepper
paprika
olive oil or butter (for searing)
onion, thinly sliced
garlic, minced
chicken broth
heavy cream
cream cheese or sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions. Sauté until soft and golden.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle a small amount of flour if you want a thicker gravy. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
7. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
8. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese or sour cream until smooth and creamy.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
10. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce for more depth.
• Try with bone-in chicken thighs for a more rustic flavor (adjust cook time).
• Serve over creamy grits for a Southern twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, but taste and adjust since some blends are saltier or spicier than others.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate heat. You can reduce or increase the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice level.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

What can I serve with Cajun smothered chicken?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, white rice, pasta, or even cornbread.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cook longer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I thicken the sauce without flour?

Reduce the sauce by simmering longer or add more cream cheese to thicken naturally.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all work well in this dish.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works best for searing and building flavor.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, you can sear the chicken and prep the sauce ahead. Reheat together when ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Rich and Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The blend of spices and velvety gravy makes it a standout dish for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it hot and enjoy the Southern-inspired magic in every bite.

Rich And Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe With Gravy

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Rich and Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken is a bold and comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender seared chicken in a spicy Cajun cream gravy. This one-pan meal is perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for an indulgent, flavor-packed dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese or 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté onions until soft and golden.
5. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
6. Optional: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute to thicken.
7. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese or sour cream until smooth.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 5–7 minutes until heated through.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

• Use half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning.
• Great served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or creamy grits.
• Not ideal for freezing due to cream-based sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 145mg