Description
Succulent Cajun chicken thighs blend bold spices with creamy herb-infused goodness, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Comfort meets culinary excitement, delivering a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Liquids and Fats:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by patting chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously coat with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces. Allow the seasoned meat to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Carefully position chicken thighs skin-side down, creating a golden, crispy exterior by cooking for 5-6 minutes without moving. Flip and continue cooking an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated flavor-rich browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by half through gentle simmering.
- Slowly incorporate heavy cream while continuously stirring to prevent separation. Fold in fresh herbs, reserving a small portion for final garnish. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Gently return chicken thighs to the skillet, carefully nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the meat, then cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking.
- Remove from heat and swirl butter into the sauce until fully melted and integrated. Sprinkle reserved herbs on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring crispy skin and tender meat.
- Pat chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking and prevent temperature shock.
- Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting amount or choosing mild to spicy blends based on personal preference.
- For lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, maintaining creamy texture with reduced calories.
- Gluten-free option: Confirm Cajun seasoning is gluten-free or make homemade blend using pure spices.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can replace parsley for varied aromatic profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg