Easy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling cajun chicken brings fiery Southern flavors to your dinner table with bold, zesty seasonings that dance across your palate.

Authentic spice blends convert ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Robust herb mixtures create depth and complexity, delivering a punch of excitement to every single bite.

Home cooks can easily master this technique by understanding fundamental seasoning principles and temperature control.

Regional cooking traditions infuse each morsel with rich, multilayered sensations that elevate simple ingredients into restaurant-quality dishes.

Perfectly balanced heat and aromatic notes complement the tender protein, creating a harmonious meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.

The magic happens when carefully selected spices merge with fresh ingredients, promising a memorable dining adventure.

Bold, Buttery Chicken With a Cajun Kick

• Spice Up Your Plate: The homemade Cajun seasoning blend delivers a bold, fiery kick that transforms ordinary chicken into an explosion of flavor, mixing smoky and zesty spices for a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: The searing method ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy, with a simple one-pan approach that makes cooking both easy and delicious.
• Quick Gourmet Sauce Magic: The garlic lemon butter sauce elevates the dish with its rich, tangy complexity, creating a luxurious coating that complements the spicy Cajun chicken in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

Everything for That Zesty Garlic-Lemon Goodness

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the dish, preferably bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.

• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Blend of spices that creates a bold, spicy Cajun-style coating for the chicken, with each spice adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Cajun Seasoning: Pre-mixed spice blend that can be used as a convenient alternative to individual spices.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a smooth searing surface for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the butter sauce, best when freshly minced.
• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce, helping to deglaze the pan.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and tanginess to balance the rich butter sauce.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken with richness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the Cajun seasoning.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish that adds color and a light, fresh flavor to the dish.

Sear and Sauce Like a Southern Pro

Step 1: Create Zesty Cajun Spice Blend

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Mix all spices thoroughly in a small bowl. Alternatively, use of premade Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear Chicken

Coat chicken thighs generously with the Cajun spice mixture on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add olive oil and place chicken thighs in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip chicken and continue cooking on low-medium heat for 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Craft Tangy Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Simmer until garlic becomes fragrant and softens. Gently fold in butter over low heat, creating a silky smooth sauce. Return chicken to the skillet and generously coat with the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tricks to Keep the Chicken Juicy and Bright

• Boost Seasoning Intensity: Create your own Cajun blend by adjusting spice ratios to match your heat preference, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Perfect Sear Technique: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and avoid moving chicken during initial cooking to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Prevent Dryness: Monitor internal chicken temperature carefully, removing from heat at 165°F to guarantee juicy, tender meat without overcooking.
• Sauce Smoothness Hack: Gradually incorporate cold butter into the sauce using low heat, whisking constantly to create a silky, emulsified consistency.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Allow chicken to rest in the garlic lemon butter sauce for a few minutes before serving to maximize flavor absorption and moisture retention.

Store Leftovers Without Losing That Cajun Flair

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve its juicy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Best consumed within the first month for optimal flavor and texture.

What Balances This Bold, Buttery Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty Cajun spices and rich garlic butter sauce with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's bright lemon notes.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a perfect side of herb-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, which will absorb the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce and provide a colorful, nutritious companion to the spicy chicken.
• Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Balance the Cajun heat with a tangy, creamy coleslaw featuring fresh cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold chicken flavors.
• Rice Pilaf Accompaniment: Prepare a light, fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs like parsley and thyme to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a neutral base that complements the spicy Cajun chicken.

Unique Ways to Rework Cajun Chicken Tonight

• Seafood Spice Journey: Replace chicken thighs with shrimp or white fish fillets, keeping the Cajun seasoning and garlic lemon butter sauce intact for a delicious maritime adventure.
• Vegetarian Veggie Feast: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks, using the same Cajun spice blend and creamy sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic butter sauce for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the Cajun seasoning.
• Creamy Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh chopped thyme and rosemary into the Cajun seasoning mix, then stir cream cheese into the butter sauce for a richer, herbaceous version of the original recipe.

Cajun Chicken With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce brings spicy Southern charm to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors. Louisiana-inspired seasoning and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that welcomes you into comfort and culinary excitement.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons white wine
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (45 milliliters)
• 3 tablespoons butter (42 grams)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zesty Cajun seasoning by meticulously blending smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, Italian herbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a compact mixing bowl.
2. Liberally coat both sides of chicken thighs with the homemade Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Preheat a robust, high-sided cast iron skillet over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, creating an ideal searing environment.
4. Drizzle olive oil into the heated skillet, then carefully place seasoned chicken thighs, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust without disturbance for 5 minutes.
5. Gently flip the chicken and reduce heat to low-medium, continuing cooking for an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a temporary plate, maintaining its warmth and crisp exterior.
7. In the same skillet, introduce finely minced garlic, crisp white wine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing ingredients to meld and garlic to soften.
8. Reduce heat to low and incorporate cold butter, creating a silky, emulsified sauce through gentle folding.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, generously coating each piece with the aromatic garlic-lemon butter sauce.
10. Enhance flavors with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Customize your Cajun seasoning blend with pantry spices for a personalized flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Searing chicken at the right temperature creates a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy, tender meat while developing rich, caramelized flavors.
• High-quality butter transforms the simple sauce into a luxurious, silky coating that perfectly complements the spicy Cajun chicken.
• White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, helping to deglaze the pan and capture all the delicious browned bits from cooking.
• Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbal finish that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce and adds a pop of color to the plate.
• Cooking chicken to the precise internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety without sacrificing moisture and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg