Description
How to make one pot spicy Cajun garlic butter chicken with tender juicy meat and aromatic seasonings that creates the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Flavor Builders
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. Let sit 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients for maximum flavor absorption.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push chicken to one side, add onion and bell pepper to empty space. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Create a well in center of pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until aromatic but not burned – this step makes all the difference.
- Build Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from bottom. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly reduced, then stir in cream until smooth and creamy.
- Finish Dish: Reduce heat to low, simmer 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip the resting time for seasoned chicken – it makes a huge difference in flavor penetration.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight.
- Substitute milk for cream but add flour to prevent curdling in the sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference – start with less and add more.
- Scrape up browned bits when adding broth for maximum flavor development.
- Serve immediately over rice or pasta to capture all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 425 calories
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 36g