Creamy Cajun chicken and potatoes is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. This one-skillet wonder features juicy, well-seasoned chicken, crispy air-fried potatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. It’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or simply looking for a new chicken dinner idea, this creamy Cajun chicken and potatoes recipe is bound to become a favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, dinner is ready and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Potatoes
If you’re craving a bold, creamy, and hearty dinner that hits all the right notes, look no further. This recipe blends smoky Cajun spices with velvety cream and cheese, making every bite irresistibly flavorful. It’s made in one pan (plus the air fryer), so cleanup is minimal. Plus, it’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners. From the crispy potatoes to the juicy chicken, every element is crafted to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled and diced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken and Potatoes
1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by rinsing the diced potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch. Pat them dry using a clean towel. Place the dried potatoes in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning.
3. Cook the chicken: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Lower the skillet heat to low. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to simmer. For extra Cajun flavor, sprinkle in a little more Cajun seasoning and a pinch of paprika.
5. Combine and serve: Add the cooked chicken and air-fried potatoes into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite!
Helpful Tips
- Cut potatoes evenly: Keeping your potato pieces similar in size ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
- Control the heat: Cajun seasoning can vary in spice level. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat, then adjust to taste.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more depth to the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
- Preheat your air fryer: A hot air fryer basket gives potatoes that perfect crispiness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein swaps: Try using boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even shrimp for a different twist.
- Vegetable additions: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Low-dairy version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make it lactose-friendly.
- Turn up the heat: Mix in a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance the spice level.
- Cheese options: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different taste profile.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
- Freezer: Although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly when frozen, you can freeze this meal for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
- Sodium: 1852mg
- Potassium: 370mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 1763 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 291mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce.
- For a brunch option, serve it over a fluffy biscuit or baked potato.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Chicken and Potatoes
Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great. Just skip the cooking step and add it directly to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy? The spice level is mild to moderate depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can always increase or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Can I cook the potatoes without an air fryer? Yes, roast them in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. You can prep the chicken, potatoes, and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
Can I double the recipe? Definitely! This recipe doubles well for feeding a crowd. Just use a large enough skillet to hold everything comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for stopping by and giving this creamy Cajun chicken and potatoes recipe a try! It’s one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and always a hit with friends and family. The combination of crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and creamy Cajun sauce is comfort food at its best. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Happy cooking and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Potatoes is a quick, one-pan recipe with juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a bold, cheesy Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Save it and cook tonight!
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds peeled and diced potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1.Prepare the potatoes: Start by rinsing the diced potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch. Pat them dry using a clean towel. Place the dried potatoes in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning.
3. Cook the chicken: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Lower the skillet heat to low. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to simmer. For extra Cajun flavor, sprinkle in a little more Cajun seasoning and a pinch of paprika.
5. Combine and serve: Add the cooked chicken and air-fried potatoes into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite!
Notes
Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Roast potatoes in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
Fresh Parmesan melts best and gives richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American