Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Corn (One-Pan Magic!)

This Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Corn is an irresistible one-pan meal that’s bold, creamy, buttery, and packed with smoky Cajun flavors. It combines juicy pan-seared chicken in a rich, garlicky Cajun butter sauce with crispy, cheesy Parmesan corn, making every bite a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures.

This dish is easy to make in under 40 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and has a restaurant-quality finish—ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or a show-stopping dinner for guests.

Why you will love this dish

• Cajun Butter + Cream Sauce = Rich, Spicy, and Addictive
• Crispy Parmesan Corn = Unexpected, Crunchy, and Irresistible
• One Pan = Easy, No-Fuss, & Quick Cleanup
• Visually Stunning = Golden Chicken, Creamy Sauce, and Crispy Cheesy Corn

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts) 🍗

👉 Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too!

2. Cajun Butter Sauce 🧄🌶️

👉 A mix of butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and heavy cream for a smoky, spicy richness.

3. Crispy Parmesan Corn 🌽🧀

👉 Sautéed sweet corn tossed with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of honey for a caramelized, crispy edge.

Equipment You’ll Need

✔ Large skillet or cast-iron pan – For one-pan cooking.
✔ Tongs & spatula – For handling chicken and stirring corn.
✔ Cheese grater – For fresh Parmesan (highly recommended!).

How to Make Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Corn

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts, halved)
• 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cajun Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp honey (balances the spice perfectly!)

For the Crispy Parmesan Corn:

• 2 cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp honey

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in Cajun seasoning and chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits.
3. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and honey, stirring until smooth.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Crispy Parmesan Corn

1. In a separate dry skillet, heat corn over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add butter, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and honey, stirring until slightly caramelized.
3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and let it crisp up for 1 more minute before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Spoon the creamy Cajun butter sauce over the chicken.
2. Pile the crispy Parmesan corn on the side.
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cajun Butter Chicken & Corn

Want a Lighter Version?

• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a creamy but healthier sauce.

Want Extra Crisp Corn?

• Cook the corn without stirring for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy edge.

Want More Heat?

• Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.

Want a Smokier Flavor?

• Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

🍷 With a Glass of Chardonnay – Pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.
🥖 With Warm Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra Cajun butter sauce.
🥗 With a Fresh Side Salad – A simple arugula & lemon salad balances the richness.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
• To Freeze: Freeze without the cream sauce for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 38g

💡 Want a low-carb version?

• Swap corn for roasted cauliflower and use light cream or Greek yogurt.

Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Corn (One-Pan Magic!)

Ella Cooks

This Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken with Crispy Parmesan Corn is an irresistible one-pan meal that’s bold, creamy, buttery, and packed with smoky Cajun flavors. It combines juicy pan-seared chicken in a rich, garlicky Cajun butter sauce with crispy, cheesy Parmesan corn, making every bite a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 610 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan – For one-pan cooking.
• Tongs & spatula – For handling chicken and stirring corn.
• Cheese grater – For fresh Parmesan (highly recommended!).

COOK MODEStop your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Ingredients. Serves 4-6

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts, halved)
• 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cajun Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp honey balances the spice perfectly!

For the Crispy Parmesan Corn:

• 2 cups sweet corn fresh or frozen, thawed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp honey

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes optional for extra heat

Instructions

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

• Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Butter Sauce

• In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in Cajun seasoning and chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits.
• Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and honey, stirring until smooth.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Crispy Parmesan Corn

• In a separate dry skillet, heat corn over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add butter, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and honey, stirring until slightly caramelized.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and let it crisp up for 1 more minute before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

• Spoon the creamy Cajun butter sauce over the chicken.
• Pile the crispy Parmesan corn on the side.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Notes

Want a Lighter Version?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a creamy but healthier sauce.
Want Extra Crisp Corn?

Cook the corn without stirring for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy edge.
Want More Heat?

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
Want a Smokier Flavor?

Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

🍷 With a Glass of Chardonnay – Pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.
🥖 With Warm Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra Cajun butter sauce.
🥗 With a Fresh Side Salad – A simple arugula & lemon salad balances the richness.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
To Freeze: Freeze without the cream sauce for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 38gFat: 38g

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