Name: Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 3 tablespoons flour; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved; ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons lime juice; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that brings a spicy kick and a creamy, luscious sauce all in one. The Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly that — a wonderful blend of bold flavors and smooth textures that come together so effortlessly. Let’s dive into why this is one of my favorite go-to meals to impress and satisfy.

The dish is shown in a round black pan filled with three large pieces of browned chicken covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce with small bits of red and green herbs sprinkled on top. Several green lime wedges are placed inside the sauce around the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The sauce looks rich and smooth, slightly glossy with some texture from the herbs and spices. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the pan. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between spicy and creamy without ever overpowering your palate. I've made it countless times for friends and family, and it always gets rave reviews — partly because the sauce is downright addictive!

Bold Cajun Flavor: The seasoning packs just the right amount of heat that wakes up your taste buds but leaves you wanting more.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: The sauce is rich and velvety, with layers of flavor from garlic, cheese, and a hint of lime that elevate the dish.
Simple and Quick: It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat or swap ingredients for dietary preferences, which I’ll share below.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe plays a key role in building that signature flavor and creamy texture. I love grabbing fresh garlic and quality chicken breasts from my local market, and keep a good Cajun seasoning on hand for these kinds of dishes.

Flat lay of two large raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, a small mound of light brown flour, three unopened whole garlic bulbs next to three peeled garlic cloves, three tablespoons golden butter sticks, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl with bright red hot sauce, a small white bowl with rich orange chicken broth, a small white bowl holding a vibrant mixture of diced red tomatoes and green chilies, a small pile of shredded pale yellow cheddar jack cheese, a fresh lime cut into wedges, and a small bunch of roughly chopped bright green cilantro all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounding them thin ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
Cajun seasoning: This blend delivers the dish’s signature spice—try to find one with balanced heat and flavor.
Flour: We dust the chicken lightly to create a slight crust and help thicken the sauce later.
Butter & garlic: The aromatic base that makes the sauce irresistibly fragrant.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a subtle zesty tomato flavor with mild heat; I love the juice for deglazing the pan.
Cheddar jack cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding creamy richness and a little tang.
Chicken broth & heavy cream: The perfect combo to keep the sauce light but satisfyingly creamy.
Honey & brown sugar: These balance the spices with just a hint of sweetness.
Lime juice: A splash brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness.
Hot sauce, cayenne, and red pepper flakes: Controls the heat level—you can tweak this to suit your spice tolerance.
Mustard powder & oregano: These little extras add subtle depth and complexity.
Olive oil or avocado oil: Neutral oils for searing that bring out the chicken’s best crust.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that enliven and finish the dish with vibrancy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe depending on who I'm cooking for. Sometimes I dial down the heat a bit for kids, or add black beans and corn for a heartier meal. It’s all about making it your own.

Lower Heat Version: When I want a milder dinner, I cut the hot sauce to 1 teaspoon and skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes — still delicious but gentler on the palate.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese — you still get a nice creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor that pairs surprisingly well.
Added Veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition; I often add corn and black beans as well, right when I add the tomatoes.
Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack is my favorite alternative to cheddar jack for a smoother melt; mozzarella works, too, but go for whole milk or low moisture varieties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with two lime wedges at the top edge. The plate has two main parts: on the left is a mound of white rice sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, and on the right is a piece of golden-brown cooked chicken covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible small pieces of tomatoes and herbs. A silver fork rests on the rice, pointing diagonally from the bottom center of the plate to the top left. The creamy sauce slightly spreads onto the plate around the chicken, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

The very first thing I do is drain and set aside the juice from those diced tomatoes — that liquid is gold for deglazing later and really deepens the sauce flavor. While that’s resting, I mix all the sauce ingredients together in a measuring cup with a spout. This way, everything’s ready when I need it without scrambling.

Step 2: Get That Chicken Perfect

I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, cover them with plastic wrap, and gently pound them to about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, I season both sides liberally with Cajun seasoning and sprinkle flour on top, rubbing it gently—it creates a gorgeous crust and stops the chicken from sticking.

Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until you get that beautiful golden crust. Don’t move it too much or you’ll lose the crust. Once done, set the chicken aside and get ready for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour the reserved tomato juice back into the skillet over medium heat and use a spatula to scrape up all those tasty browned bits. That's the “fond,” and it adds so much depth! Then toss in the butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a couple of minutes — this cooks out the raw flour taste and starts thickening the sauce base.

Begin slowly adding the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring all the time. Bring it up to a boil and then lower the heat so it simmers gently.

At this point, stir in the drained tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes so it thickens and the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Lime

Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the cheddar jack cheese, stirring constantly until it melts perfectly into the sauce. A splash of lime juice goes in last, brightening the whole pan—and then the chicken goes back in to soak up all that goodness for 4 minutes uncovered.

Add the lime wedges for one more minute of simmering, then remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro right before serving. Yum!

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things from making this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe over and over, and these tips truly elevate the dish and save you some headaches along the way.

Don’t Skip the Sear: Getting a good crust on the chicken creates flavor beyond just seasoning — patience here pays off.
Reserve the Tomato Juice: Using that liquid to deglaze the pan is a game changer for sauce depth — don’t toss it away.
Slow Cheese Melting: Add cheese slowly on low heat to avoid clumps and get that smooth creamy sauce you’re dreaming of.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook chicken in batches if needed—crowding the pan steams the meat instead of searing it.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh cilantro and lime wedges—those two brighten up the plate and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce. Feel free to toss out a few chopped scallions or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you really want to amp up the presentation.

Side Dishes

Rice is my go-to companion for this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. I like to cook the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. Black beans and a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pair beautifully if you want to keep it light. Cornbread would be amazing for soaking up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes serve this over creamy mashed potatoes or even creamy grits for a southern twist. To impress guests, arrange the chicken on a bed of wilted spinach or sautéed greens and drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate. It’s impressive but still comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cool the sauce and chicken completely before sealing it, which helps preserve the freshness and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner another night.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this dish for up to 3 months. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers with a bit of sauce to keep the chicken moist. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the oven, covered with foil at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the sauce from drying out, much better than microwaving. Stir halfway through so the sauce heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies?

You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped green chilies if you want to replicate the flavor. If you want less heat, just stick with plain diced tomatoes.

How spicy is this Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe?

The heat level is medium and can be adjusted easily—if you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the hot sauce, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a bit more cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dust the chicken and thicken the sauce. Also, double-check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it's gluten-free, as some brands include wheat as a filler.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it marries comforting creaminess with bold spices in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to pull together, which I think is the best combo. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, just like I do!