One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
  • Rich and Creamy: A luscious Cajun lime sauce adds bold flavors and velvety texture.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The heat of Cajun spices meets the tanginess of lime for a harmonious dish.
  • Customizable: Serve it with rice, tender stem broccoli, or your favorite side dishes.
  • High-Protein Meal: Chicken thighs pack in plenty of protein for a filling dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

  • 600g chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion granules
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Cajun Lime Sauce

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 sweet red pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 200ml chicken stock
  • 150ml single cream
  • 100g cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lime, cut in half

To Serve

  • 125g basmati rice per serving
  • 1 tbsp soured cream per serving
  • 50g tender stem broccoli per serving

Directions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and oregano.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, sauté the shallot, red pepper, and garlic until softened. Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning.
  4. Build the Sauce: Add chicken stock, single cream, cherry tomatoes, and juice from half the lime. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring they are coated in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish: Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the dish and serve with basmati rice, soured cream, and tender stem broccoli.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of basmati rice.
  • Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute single cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The chicken can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and make the sauce fresh when reheating.

4. Can I use a store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely! Store-bought blends work perfectly if you don’t want to make your own.

5. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.

6. What can I use instead of chicken stock?

Vegetable stock or water with a pinch of salt are good substitutes.

7. Can I make this spicy?

Increase the Cajun seasoning or add red chili flakes for more heat.

8. What other sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

10. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance for quicker preparation.

Conclusion

This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its bold spices, creamy sauce, and vibrant lime, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try a variation, this dish delivers big on taste and convenience. Give it a try and elevate your dinner game!

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One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
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Description

This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken recipe features bold Cajun spices, a creamy lime-infused sauce, and tender chicken thighs, all prepared in a single pan. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish is high in protein, customizable, and pairs beautifully with rice and tender stem broccoli.

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 600g chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion granules
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Cajun Lime Sauce:

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 sweet red pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 200ml chicken stock
  • 150ml single cream
  • 100g cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lime, halved

To Serve:

  • 125g basmati rice per serving
  • 1 tbsp soured cream per serving
  • 50g tender stem broccoli per serving

Instructions

  • Season the Chicken: Coat chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and oregano.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan and sear chicken thighs until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce Base: Sauté shallot, red pepper, and garlic in the same pan until softened. Add smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning.
  • Build the Sauce: Pour in chicken stock, single cream, and add cherry tomatoes and juice from half the lime. Simmer for a few minutes.
  • Return the Chicken: Add chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring they’re coated in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat until fully cooked.
  • Finish: Squeeze remaining lime juice over the dish. Serve hot with basmati rice, soured cream, and tender stem broccoli.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels to taste by increasing Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne.
  • Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu for variations.
  • To make dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of single cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Cajun

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