Description
Cajun Chicken & Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with a rich, creamy gravy infused with bold Cajun spices. This easy-to-make recipe delivers spicy warmth balanced by smooth, velvety flavors, making it perfect for cozy dinners or flavorful family meals.
Ingredients
Units
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Main Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for best moisture and flavor
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (made from paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk/plant-based cream for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Generously coat the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the pan. Add chopped onions and garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, building a savory base for the gravy.
- Make the Roux and Gravy: Add butter to the pan and melt it with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously to form a roux; cook until it turns golden and smells nutty. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, letting the mixture thicken into a luscious sauce.
- Finish the Gravy and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spices as needed. Return the chicken to the pan, cover partially, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy coats the meat beautifully.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Once the chicken is tender and the gravy is thick and flavorful, spoon generous amounts of gravy over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor.
- Don’t skip cooking the roux properly to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Adjust spice level gradually to suit your taste by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne.
- Let the gravy simmer slowly for the best flavor melding and texture.
- Rest the dish a few minutes before serving to allow gravy thickening and redistribute chicken juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg