Smothered Chicken with Cajun Cream Sauce
A comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired dish with a bold Cajun twist. Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- Customize by adding mushrooms, sausage, or adjusting the spice level. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a complete meal.