Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful creamy sauce with Cajun spices and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers a delightful combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Chicken
- 4–5 Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 2.5 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Flour
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ⅓ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the garlic and cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly whisk in the chicken stock to the roux, scraping the bottom of the skillet to dissolve any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning slightly.
- For a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce further before adding cream.
- Boneless chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts can be used with slightly shorter cooking time.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother melting.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, stovetop chicken, spicy chicken thighs, quick chicken recipe