– **Title**: Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the creamy sauce.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
9. Serve the creamy garlic herb sauce over rice or pasta, along with the chicken thighs. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or breasts, but keep in mind that they may cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds amazing flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Just mix these spices to suit your heat preference.
Heavy Cream: This is the star of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just remember, the consistency might change a bit.
Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and adds richness. You can swap it with any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil. However, if you want a flavor boost, avocado oil is a great alternative!
Dried Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): Dried herbs work, but if you have fresh herbs available, use those for a fresher taste! Just double the amount, as fresh herbs can be less potent than dried ones.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Seared Chicken Thighs?
Seared chicken thighs not only taste better but also add texture to your dish. The key here is to get that beautiful golden crust while keeping the meat juicy.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the olive oil. You want to hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece enough space. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear.
- Let the thighs cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until they easily release from the skillet before flipping.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, expect to spend around 40-45 minutes from start to finish, giving you a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken. This is an important step to ensure even cooking!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a nice crispy skin. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, making sure to coat them well.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Then, flip them over and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor! Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Cream and Herbs:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Mix everything well and give it a taste. Add salt and pepper as needed to make it just right!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken to infuse the flavors.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s crucial to ensure it’s fully cooked!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious chicken thighs with the creamy garlic herb sauce over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, as they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (1 cup milk + 2 tablespoons melted butter). Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or serve with your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste before cooking!
