Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion (diced); 1 bell pepper (diced); 2 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons corn starch; 3 tablespoons blackened seasoning ((omit brown sugar if making homemade)); 4 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded); 1 jalapeno (sliced, optional for garnish); 2 cups pearl barley; 4 cups water

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Try this Creamy Cajun Chicken with barley for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. This hearty dish combines tender chicken and nutritious barley, making it a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Plate of Cajun chicken over barley with green beans.

If you are looking for a dinner to break out of a tired routine, this Cajun Chicken is a great place to start. It has so much flavor without being to spicy. Add green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken with Barley Recipe

Pearl Barley – a great source of fiber and vitamins, it’s very filling and one of my favorite grains. Substitute brown rice if you don’t have barley.
Olive Oil
Onions
Bell Peppers
Chicken Broth – homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
Heavy Cream
Corn Starch
Blackened Seasoning – I am using my homemade blend and skipping the brown sugar for this recipe.
Cooked Chicken Breast – We are using the breast from a whole chicken that we cooked ahead. Any leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken works too.
Jalapenos – optional for garnish.

Step-By-Step Directions for Creamy Cajun Chicken

Collage: pearl barley - package - boiling - cooked.

Rinse barley, add to boiling water and lower to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

Collage: chopped onion, bell peppers/chicken.

Meanwhile, dice the onion and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Chop the chicken into bite- sized pieces.

Collage cooking peppers, onions, making cream sauce.

Cook onions and peppers in olive oil in a deep skillet or large pan over medium-high heat. Stir often, cooking until vegetables are softened.
Add chicken broth. Mix heavy whipping cream and corn starch and add to vegetable mixture with blackened seasoning. Whisk together, lower to medium-low, cooking until sauce is thickened.

Adding chicken to Cajun cream sauce in a skillet.

Add chicken, stirring to combine.

Plate of barley, chicken and cream sauce, green beans.

Serve over cooked barley and garnish with jalapeno slices if desired.

Recipe Notes

Lighten Up the Sauce: Substitute the cream for half and half, milk or 2 % milk.
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 -3 days. Store barley in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Reheat: Cook chicken mixture in a pan over medium heat, stir in a tablespoon of milk if the sauce is too thick. To reheat barley, pour boiling water over the barley and stir for about 1 minute. Drain and serve.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

Skillet of cajun chicken in cream sauce with jalapenos.

Try this Creamy Cajun Chicken is sure to become a family favorite to change up dinner menu and it comes together in about 30 minutes.
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