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
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and oregano.
- 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.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, sauté the shallot, red pepper, and garlic until softened. Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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