Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun spices and the rich, tangy taste of lemon butter. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a favorite.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their lean texture and ability to absorb flavors well. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut.
Preparing the Chicken
Cleaning and Trimming
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or tendons to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning Process
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the Cajun seasoning.
Making the Cajun Seasoning
Key Ingredients
The Cajun seasoning is a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This combination creates a spicy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cooking the Chicken
Pan-Searing Technique
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Oven-Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Making the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
For the sauce, you will need butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
Cooking Process
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Coating the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic lemon butter sauce over each piece.
Ensuring Even Coverage
Use a spoon to ensure the sauce covers the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken
Temperature Control
Maintain a steady cooking temperature to avoid burning the spices. Medium-high heat is ideal for pan-searing.
Avoiding Overcooking
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes to Complement
Serve your Cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. Mashed potatoes or quinoa also pair well with this dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper Storage Techniques
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best Reheating Methods
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the chicken’s texture and flavor. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat.
Health Benefits of Cajun Chicken
Nutritional Information
Cajun chicken is a great source of lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals. The spices used in the seasoning also offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Balanced Meal Ideas
Pair your Cajun chicken with whole grains and a variety of vegetables to create a balanced, nutritious meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Seasoning Tips
Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The bold flavors of the Cajun spices are what make this dish stand out.
Cooking Pitfalls
Avoid cooking the chicken on too high heat, as it can burn the spices and dry out the meat. Also, ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning for consistent flavor.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating is not required for this recipe, but letting the seasoned chicken sit for 15-30 minutes can enhance the flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, this seasoning and sauce pair well with pork, shrimp, or even fish.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white throughout.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the garlic lemon butter sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices.
Conclusion
Cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold spices and rich, tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow this recipe for a delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress.
Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun spices and the rich, tangy taste of lemon butter. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- How to make Cajun chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- salt and black pepper freshly ground to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
How to make Cajun seasoning
- Combine ingredients for Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Or, alternatively, use 1 tablespoon of your favorite Cajun seasoning. My recommendation is Frontier Cajun seasoning.
How to sear the chicken
- Generously season the chicken thighs with the Cajun seasoning on both sides. You don't have to use the whole amount. Note: the homemade Cajun seasoning already has salt added.
- Heat an empty large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as stainless steel or cast iron) over medium heat for 3 minutes. This allows the skillet to heat through.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken thighs. Cook the chicken on medium heat for 5 minutes, without moving it. This allows the chicken to sear.
- Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for about 5 more minutes or longer until it's cooked through. The meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Remove from heat. Remove chicken from the skillet.
Make garlic butter lemon sauce
- To the same, now empty, skillet add minced garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Cook for a couple of minutes until garlic softens. Then fold in butter on low heat. Add back cooked chicken and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley.