Go Back
Adam

Bold & Spicy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet – Southern Comfort in One Pan!

Get ready to spice things up with this bold and comforting Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet! This dish is a flavor-packed favorite straight from the heart of southern cooking — filled with smoky sausage, juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and a blend of Cajun spices that bring heat, depth, and comfort to every bite. This one-pan wonder is quick to make and big on flavor. With its signature spice mix, fresh garlic, creamy finish, and protein-rich ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or a no-fuss meal that feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and tastes even better the next day! Let’s dive into this soulful skillet dinner that brings Louisiana-inspired flavor straight to your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Viandes:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
  • ½ lb smoked sausage sliced (Andouille or kielbasa works great)
🥬 Fruits et légumes:
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 1 bell pepper green, red, or yellow, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🥣 Conserves:
  • ½ cup chicken broth
🌶 Aides culinaires et épices:
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🛢 Huiles et vinaigres:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
🧈 Produits laitiers:
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • All you need to whip up this spicy classic is:
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Tongs (for flipping meat)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Slice the chicken, sausage, onion, and bell pepper.
  2. Mince the garlic and set aside.
  3. Measure out your spices so they’re ready to go.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear 4–5 minutes, turning to brown both sides.
  4. Remove and set aside.
  5. Don’t overcrowd the pan – sear in batches if needed.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
  1. Add another 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
  2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until browned and caramelized.
  3. Remove and add to the plate with the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté Veggies
  1. In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
  2. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
  1. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan.
  2. Add back the chicken and sausage.
  3. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
  4. Stir and let simmer 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Step 6: Add Cream and Garnish
  1. Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamy finish.
  2. Simmer another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
This dish can be frozen, but the cream may slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Tastes even better the next day as the Cajun spices deepen!
🥄 Variations
Spice it up or tone it down with these flavor-packed options:
Cajun Pasta: Serve over penne or linguine for a creamy Cajun pasta dish.
Low-Carb Option: Pair with sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Rice Bowl: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or jambalaya rice.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
No Cream? Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Add Shrimp: Toss in peeled shrimp for the last 5 minutes for a surf-and-turf combo.
Cheesy Topper: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack before serving.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Smoked sausage like Andouille or kielbasa adds deep flavor. Use spicy or mild based on your preference.
2. Is this dish very spicy?
Not overly — the Cajun seasoning and cayenne add heat, but you can adjust or omit for a milder version.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream for a creamy non-dairy version.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — just add it back during the simmering step to warm it through.
5. What’s a good side dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully.
6. How do I make it saucier?
Increase the broth and cream, and simmer a bit longer for thicker texture.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — it reheats very well and is great for meal prep.
8. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
9. Is this gluten-free?
Yes — just double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
10. Can I add tomatoes?
Sure! A can of diced tomatoes or 1–2 fresh tomatoes adds acidity and depth.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet is bold, spicy, and absolutely bursting with Southern flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan wonder that’s rich in protein and comforting in every bite. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or all on its own, it’s a meal that delivers flavor and satisfaction fast.
It’s hearty, bold, and versatile enough to become a new weekly favorite — especially when you’re craving something fast, fresh, and full of kick.