FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Cajun Chicken
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Cajun Chicken
• More Creamy Chicken Breast Recipes
• Tools For This Recipe
• Cajun Chicken (Creamy, Easy Dinner) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

My Cajun chicken recipe tastes a lot like the Cajun-seasoned dishes I tried in New Orleans and Texas last spring. Tender chicken gets smothered in a luscious creamy Cajun sauce, with extra flavor from fresh lime and cilantro. The sauce has this incredibly rich, velvety, and creamy texture, while the bold, vibrant Cajun flavors add just the right amount of heat. Make it with me!

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Recipe

• Bold and vibrant Cajun flavors – A lot like the ones you’ll find in my Cajun cod , blackened chicken , and seafood boil .
• Juicy, tender chicken
• Creamy, luscious sauce
• Easy to make
• Perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for Cajun chicken, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – I opted for boneless skinless chicken breasts in this Cajun chicken recipe, but boneless skinless chicken thighs would work as well.
• Cajun Seasoning – I used my homemade Cajun seasoning (it takes just 5 minutes!), made with a simple combination of spices: Paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning if you like.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken. You can also use avocado oil, or any neutral heat-safe oil.
• Butter – Used for sauteing the garlic and adds richness to the sauce. You can just use another tablespoon of olive oil instead if you prefer.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor, or substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic for convenience.
• Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes give the Cajun chicken sauce a tangy and sweet flavor, but you can also use crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce for a smoother consistency, or 1 pound of fresh diced tomatoes for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
• Chicken Broth – Use reduced-sodium broth , since Cajun seasoning and cream cheese are already salty. You can also use bone broth for extra flavor and nutrition or make your own homemade chicken broth .
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the Cajun chicken recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk instead.
• Cream Cheese – Helps thicken the sauce without any thickeners. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using in the recipe. If you don’t have any cream cheese, you can substitute parmesan cheese instead. (I use it to thicken creamy lemon chicken and it would work the same way here.)
• Lime Juice – I often use bottled lime juice for convenience, but freshly squeezed lime juice tastes even better.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Optional Garnishes – Lime wedges and fresh cilantro are the perfect finishing touch! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley instead.

VARIATION: Add mushrooms to the sauce!

Saute them in the butter before adding the garlic.

How To Make Cajun Chicken

This section shows how to make this Cajun chicken recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides, until golden brown.

1. Bake. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer the Cajun chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
2. Saute the garlic. To the same pan, add the butter and let it melt over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer.

1. Add the cream. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Thicken the sauce. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. (You can add more cream cheese if you want it thicker.)

1. Adjust seasoning. Stir in the lime juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Garnish. Return the Cajun chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat Cajun chicken in the microwave, or on the stovetop over low to medium heat.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What To Serve With Cajun Chicken

Creamy Cajun chicken has bold flavors, so it works best to pair it with a milder side dish. Here are some ideas:

• Rice – Serve in a bowl over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try my cauliflower rice (pictured above).
• Noodles – Turn it into a creamy Cajun chicken pasta by adding the (sliced) chicken and sauce to your favorite noodles. I prefer lighter options, like zucchini noodles or 3-ingredient low carb pasta .
• Vegetables – Pair this dish with a simple side of air fryer green beans , crisp and tender roasted broccoli , or use the same skillet to make sauteed vegetables . For a southern-inspired meal, pair this Cajun dish with some roasted cabbage or go for fried cabbage with bacon instead.
• Salads – Serve Cajun chicken over an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light meal.

More Creamy Chicken Breast Recipes

Looking to add more delicious chicken recipes to your rotation? Here are some of my other favorites:

Marry Me Chicken

Chicken Marsala

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken

Lemon Parmesan Chicken

Tools For This Recipe

• Oven Safe Pan – One of my faves for even heat distribution, so it allows for a nice sear on the Cajun chicken.
• Meat Thermometer – Key for making sure chicken is properly cooked.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning ▢
• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (or more olive oil) ▢
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 3/4 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk) ▢
• 4 oz Cream cheese (softened) ▢
• 1 tbsp Lime juice ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢
• Lime wedges (optional, for garnish) ▢
• Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season the chicken on both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for about 15 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
6. To the same pan, add the butter and let melt over medium-high heat.
7. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
8. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer for 5 minutes .
9. Add the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes , until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. (You can add more if you want the sauce thicker.)
11. Stir in the lime juice. Season the sauce with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
12. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 Cajun chicken breast + sauce

The recipe makes about 3 cups sauce, which is enough for the chicken plus more for drizzling over rice or cauliflower rice to serve.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Cajun Chicken

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Cajun Chicken (Creamy, Easy Dinner)

Savor the bold flavors in this Cajun chicken recipe, with tender spiced chicken, a creamy sauce, a hint of lime, and fresh cilantro.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/cajun-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (or more olive oil)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 3/4 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
• 4 oz Cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (to taste)
• Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season the chicken on both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for about 15 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
6. To the same pan, add the butter and let melt over medium-high heat.
7. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
8. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer for 5 minutes .
9. Add the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes , until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. (You can add more if you want the sauce thicker.)
11. Stir in the lime juice. Season the sauce with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
12. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 Cajun chicken breast + sauce

The recipe makes about 3 cups sauce, which is enough for the chicken plus more for drizzling over rice or cauliflower rice to serve.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)