introduction
This is a quick and tasty meal. Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice brings sweet, savory chicken with warm, spicy rice. It makes a full dinner in one pan for busy nights. If you like creamy Cajun pasta, you might also enjoy creamy Cajun chicken rotini with garlic-parmesan sauce for another simple weeknight option.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, full of flavor, and uses simple ingredients. The rice has a spicy kick and the chicken has a sweet garlic sauce. It is family friendly and easy to change if you need less heat or more creaminess.
how to make Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice
Follow these steps in order. Work with warm pans and taste as you go.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedge for brightness (optional garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Cajun Rice – In a medium saucepan, melt butter (or heat oil) over medium heat. Add rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Honey Garlic Chicken – Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the honey garlic sauce.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve – Plate a bed of spicy Cajun rice. Top with the creamy honey garlic chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley or green onions and a lemon wedge if desired.
how to serve Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice
Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance the heat. A lemon wedge brightens the flavors if you like a fresh touch. For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream or a spoon of sour cream into the sauce before serving.
how to store Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice
Let the food cool to room temperature. Put chicken and rice in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst.
tips to make Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice
- Use good quality chicken broth for better rice flavor.
- Toast the rice briefly to add depth.
- Cook rice covered on low heat and do not lift the lid until time is up.
- Taste the sauce and adjust honey or soy sauce to your liking.
- If the sauce is thin, simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken.
- For even cooking, cut chicken into similar-sized strips.
- If you want a creamier sauce, add 2 tablespoons of cream or plain yogurt at the end and stir until warm.
You can also try a related pasta version like creamy garlic butter Cajun chicken bowtie pasta for a different weeknight meal.
variation (if any)
- Make it milder: skip the red pepper flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning.
- Make it spicier: add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quicker cook time.
- Add bell peppers or onions to the rice for extra veg and color.
- Use brown rice, but increase cooking time and broth as needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw fully before cooking for even searing. Cook time may change if pieces are thicker.
Q: Can I make the rice and chicken ahead?
A: Yes. Cook both, cool, and store separately in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Q: Is there a dairy in this recipe?
A: The base recipe has butter, but you can use olive oil to keep it dairy-free.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
A: Keep the heat medium to medium-high and watch the garlic closely. Stir the sauce as it reduces.
Conclusion
This dish pairs sweet honey garlic chicken with spicy Cajun rice for a simple, satisfying meal. For another take on Cajun chicken and rice ideas, see this helpful recipe guide at Cajun Chicken and Rice – I Am Homesteader.
Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken over Spicy Cajun Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter (or heat oil) over medium heat.
- Add rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the honey garlic sauce.
- Plate a bed of spicy Cajun rice.
- Top with the creamy honey garlic chicken.
- Drizzle any extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and a lemon wedge if desired.