Creamy Cajun Chicken Potatoes

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices and crispy air-fried potatoes, all coated in a luscious creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is pan-fried to a golden brown, locking in its juices, while the potatoes are tossed with olive oil and seasoned salt before air-frying to achieve a tender inside and crisp exterior. The sauce is gently simmered to meld the flavors with a hint of smoked paprika and cayenne, adjustable to your preferred spice level. Quick to prepare, this comforting combination makes a perfect weeknight meal packed with vibrant, smoky flavors and smooth texture.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sat, 25 Oct 2025 21:31:28 GMT
A bowl of creamy cajun chicken and potatoes. Save
A bowl of creamy cajun chicken and potatoes. | sarahmeal.com

This creamy Cajun chicken and potatoes dish is a fantastic weeknight meal that brings bold flavors and creamy comfort together in one pan. The juicy chicken breasts coated with Cajun spices pair perfectly with tender air-fried potatoes all combined in a rich, creamy sauce that’s simple to prepare yet impressive on the plate.

Ingredients

  • Diced Potatoes: these hold their shape well and crisp up nicely especially when air-fried.
  • Olive Oil: helps create that golden crust on potatoes and chicken.
  • Seasoned Salt: adds extra depth to potatoes.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: lean and versatile, pound to even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Cajun Seasoning: the key for delivering bold spicy flavor, look for a blend that includes smoked paprika and garlic powder.
  • Onion Powder: enhances the savory notes in the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: essential for that warm earthy undertone.
  • Paprika: opt for smoked if you want extra depth and smokiness.
  • Butter: enriches the creamy sauce with a silky texture.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: creates the luscious base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: melts into the sauce giving it a nutty umami flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Potatoes:
Start by rinsing the diced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch which helps them crisp up better. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Toss the potatoes with olive oil and seasoned salt making sure each piece is coated evenly. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, shaking or stirring them occasionally for even cooking until they are golden and tender on the inside.
Cook the Chicken:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The outside should be golden and slightly crisp. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and melt the butter in the same skillet leaving behind all those flavorful browned bits. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer so the cheese melts smoothly into a thick sauce. Sprinkle a pinch more Cajun seasoning and paprika to intensify the flavors. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken and crispy air-fried potatoes to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the rich sauce. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and tender combination that makes this dish a winner every time.
A bowl of Creamy Cajun Chicken & Potatoes. Save
A bowl of Creamy Cajun Chicken & Potatoes. | sarahmeal.com

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For best texture, reheat the chicken and potatoes separately in a skillet or air fryer to preserve the crispiness of the potatoes and juiciness of the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible as this can make the potatoes soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

Chicken thighs work beautifully for this recipe and give a bit more fat and flavor if you prefer dark meat. You can swap heavy cream for half and half or whole milk but the sauce will be less thick and rich. Instead of air-frying potatoes, roasting them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit with olive oil works just as well.

Serving suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness of the sauce. For a fun southern twist, add some collard greens or sautéed green beans on the side. This dish also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Cultural context

Cajun cuisine originates from the Acadian settlers in Louisiana and is known for its bold use of spices and hearty ingredients. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Cajun seasoning blends and combines it with a creamy sauce to create a comforting yet flavorful meal that’s easy enough for any home cook.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for the breasts?

Absolutely, chicken thighs offer a juicier texture and richer flavor, and they cook well with the Cajun spices used in this dish.

→ How can I adjust the heat to be milder?

Reduce the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika in the seasoning mix to tone down the spice while keeping the smoky depth.

→ What are the best potatoes to use?

Firm, starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or russets hold up well during air-frying and absorb the seasoning nicely.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes can be included for added texture and flavor variety.

→ How do I store leftovers to maintain flavor?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Potatoes

Tender chicken and seasoned potatoes tossed in a rich creamy Cajun sauce for a flavorful meal.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Cajun

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (servings)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Potatoes

Ingredient 01 400 grams diced potatoes

→ Oils and Fats

Ingredient 02 15 milliliters olive oil
Ingredient 03 30 grams unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

Ingredient 04 5 grams seasoned salt
Ingredient 05 10 grams Cajun seasoning
Ingredient 06 2 grams onion powder
Ingredient 07 2 grams garlic powder
Ingredient 08 3 grams smoked paprika
Ingredient 09 Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

→ Protein

Ingredient 10 500 grams boneless skinless chicken breasts

→ Dairy

Ingredient 11 120 milliliters heavy whipping cream
Ingredient 12 40 grams grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Rinse diced potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch and pat dry. In a bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil and seasoned salt until evenly coated. Cook in an air fryer at 200°C for 20 minutes, shaking occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Instruction 02

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 74°C. Remove chicken from skillet and reduce heat to low.

Instruction 03

Melt butter in the same skillet. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture simmers and cheese melts completely, forming a smooth sauce. Season with a pinch of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring to combine.

Instruction 04

Return crispy potatoes and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently in the creamy Cajun sauce until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

  1. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform doneness and retain juiciness.
  2. Adjust heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning according to taste preferences.
  3. Cook chicken until golden brown on each side to lock in juices and develop a crisp exterior.
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat Content: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 32 grams
  • Protein Content: 38 grams