Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with a rich and spiced creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in the fresh parsley and thyme. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken thighs with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, boneless thighs work well but may cook faster—adjust timing accordingly.
• Add a handful of spinach or sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The sauce will also thicken when the chicken is done.

Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated with a flavorful blend of Cajun seasoning and garlic, cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy herb sauce. The combination of paprika, fresh parsley, and thyme adds an aromatic and vibrant touch, making this dish a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add seasoning: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices, which deepens their flavor.
5. Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Finish with herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and thyme into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve: Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken thighs and serve hot, paired with your favorite side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and moisture for a more succulent dish.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich and creamy.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce further.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or sautéed green vegetables.

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Cajun Chicken Thighs, Garlic Herb Chicken, Creamy Cajun Sauce, Comfort Food, One-Pan Chicken Dinner