Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn

Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with creamy sauce and fresh, herby corn. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and richness in their meals. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sweet corn makes it a delightful choice for dinner any night of the week.

Tips for selecting the best ingredients:

• Chicken: Choose organic or free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and quality.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend or make your own for the best results.
• Corn: Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen corn can be used if fresh is not available.

Preparation Steps

Preparing Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn is easy if you follow these steps:

1. Gather all your ingredients and ensure they are prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Tips for achieving the perfect sear:

• Ensure the chicken is dry before searing to get a nice, golden crust.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

Making the Cajun Sauce

1. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Cooking the Herby Corn

1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the corn kernels, fresh parsley, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized.

Assembling the Dish

1. Transfer the creamy Cajun chicken to a serving platter.
2. Spoon the herby corn around the chicken.
3. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for layering flavors:

• Ensure the sauce is well-seasoned, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
• Let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Pairing suggestions:

• Serve with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• A cold, refreshing beer like a lager or pilsner can also complement the spicy flavors.

Health benefits of the main ingredients:

• Chicken: A lean source of protein.
• Cajun Seasoning: Contains various spices that have antioxidant properties.
• Corn: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Variations and Substitutions

Suggestions for ingredient substitutions:

• Chicken: Substitute with turkey breasts or boneless pork chops.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the spice level to your preference or use a different seasoning blend.
• Heavy Cream: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.

Variations to suit different dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream.

Tips and Tricks

Insider tips for perfecting the dish:

• Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
• Adding the cream to a very hot pan, which can cause it to curdle.

Storage and Reheating

Best practices for storing leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for reheating without losing flavor:

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of additional chicken broth to keep the dish moist.
• Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen corn can be used. Thaw it first and pat it dry before cooking.

Q: What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning? A: You can make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

Q: What sides go well with this dish? A: Garlic bread, green salad, or steamed vegetables are great options.

Conclusion

Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table. The combination of spicy Cajun flavors, creamy sauce, and fresh herby corn makes it a standout meal that is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dish.

Yield: 4

Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn

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Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with creamy sauce and fresh, herby corn. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and richness in their meals. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sweet corn makes it a delightful choice for dinner any night of the week.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 3/4 inch thick)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 ears corn, kernels removed from the cob
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 cup canned coconut milk, cream, or whole milk
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper using more or less to your taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the egg and flour in separate shallow bowls. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides of the chicken through the egg, and then through the flour, tossing to coat. Place the chicken on a plate.

2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan. 

3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, the corn, garlic, and thyme. Cook another 5 minutes or until the corn is golden. 

4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the wine. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the cream, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Slide the chicken into the sauce, simmer 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat.

5. Serve the chicken topped with fresh thyme, basil, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy! 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 735