Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe | Easy, Spicy & Flavorful Dinner Idea
Velvety Cajun Chicken Delight delivers bold Cajun flavors in a luxuriously creamy sauce. This one-pan wonder features tender chicken perfectly seared and then simmered in an indulgent, spicy cream sauce. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the ultimate weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Adore This Dish
- Robust Cajun Zest: A perfectly balanced blend of Cajun spices infuses the chicken with deep, smoky notes and just the right amount of heat.
- Rapid & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile Pairings: Excellent on its own, or served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or a vibrant side salad.
Special Tips
For an extra burst of brightness, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into the sauce right before serving. This small addition helps to cut through the creaminess and elevate the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients Needed
How to Create Velvety Cajun Chicken Delight
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning with 1 teaspoon black pepper. Massage the spice mix onto 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay in the seasoned chicken and sear each side for roughly 3 minutes until they display a beautiful golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics & Add a Slurry: Reduce the heat slightly and add ½ cup chopped onion with 3 teaspoons minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn tender. In a separate small cup, blend 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with a little chicken broth to make a smooth slurry, then stir this mixture into the skillet.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually stir in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese along with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer over medium-low, letting all the flavors meld together.
- Finalize & Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for another 5-8 minutes until it’s completely cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Taste and season with salt as needed. Garnish with extra parmesan and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes. To add more spice, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes during the final simmer.
- Alternate Cuts: Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs or whole breasts. Adjust searing time accordingly to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add Your Veggies: Enhance the dish by adding diced red or green bell peppers, jalapeños, corn, or green beans when you sauté the onions and garlic.
- Low Sodium Options: Look for Cajun seasoning blends that are salt-free or create your own mix so you can better control the salt levels.
Leftover Velvety Cajun Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While not recommended due to potential sauce separation, you may freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm portions in short 30-second intervals in the microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop until heated through.
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