📋 Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes or thin cutlets

  • Butter & Oil: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter + 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Peppers & Aromatics:

    • ½ medium red bell pepper, diced

    • ½ medium green bell pepper, diced

    • 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • Heavy Cream: ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

  • Chicken Broth: ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Seasonings:

    • 1.5 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (make sure it's sugar-free)

    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a small pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.

  3. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side (or 6–8 minutes total if using cubes) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches $165^\circ\text{F}$ / $74^\circ\text{C}$).

  4. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies & Garlic

  1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.

  2. Toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.

  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

  1. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits on the bottom.

  2. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.

  3. Stir in the remaining ½ to 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning (and cayenne pepper if extra spice is desired). Bring to a soft simmer.

  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Return the seared chicken (along with any resting juices) back to the skillet.

  2. Spoon the rich Cajun cream sauce over the chicken and simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend all the flavors together.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or Cajun spice if needed.

  4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot!

💡 Keto Serving Ideas

  • Cauliflower Rice: Spoon the chicken and extra spicy cream sauce over steamed or garlic-sautéed cauliflower rice.

  • Palmini / Zucchini Noodles: Toss the sauce with low-carb palm heart noodles or zucchini spiral noodles.

  • Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli, grilled asparagus, or sautéed green beans.

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