Zesty Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Sizzling spices dance across tender chicken in this mouthwatering cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce that promises to deliver explosive flavor in every bite.

The robust blend of zesty seasonings creates an irresistible southern-style dish bursting with warmth and depth.

Louisiana-inspired spices coat succulent chicken breasts, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Each golden-brown piece emerges from the skillet with a perfectly crisp exterior and juicy interior.

The luxurious garlic lemon butter sauce adds a bright, velvety finish that complements the spicy undertones.

Drizzle this luscious sauce over the chicken and watch as dinner becomes an unforgettable experience.

You’ll want to serve this restaurant-quality meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 3

Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter: Ingredient List

• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky warmth to create rich flavor foundation.
• Chili Powder: Brings subtle heat and vibrant red color to the spice blend.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, nutty undertones for complex taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity and aromatic depth.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory punch without fresh garlic moisture.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers sharp, intense spiciness for exciting kick.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other seasoning flavors.

• Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum juiciness and richer flavor, ensure fresh and high-quality meat from trusted butcher.

• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin for most intense flavor.
• White Wine: Pick dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for bright, crisp undertones.
• Lemon: Choose firm, heavy citrus with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice and zest.
• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for superior taste and healthier cooking.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more robust, aromatic experience.
• Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp leaves for fresh garnish and color pop.

Tools You’ll Need for Bold Cajun Flavor

• Large, heavy-bottomed skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating rich sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing Cajun seasoning.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding sauce ingredients.

Cooking Cajun Chicken with Butter Sauce

• Spice Blend

Create a zesty Cajun mixture using smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, Italian herbs, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt for an explosive flavor profile.

• Chicken Preparation

Season chicken thighs generously with the homemade spice blend, ensuring both sides are well coated with the vibrant seasoning.

• Searing Magic

Heat a heavy skillet over medium temperature, adding olive oil to create a perfect golden crust. Cook chicken without moving for 5 minutes, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.

• Temperature Check

Flip chicken and continue cooking on low-medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and safe meat.

• Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Allow garlic to soften and release its aromatic essence.

• Buttery Finish

Gently fold butter into the sauce on low heat, creating a silky, rich coating. Return chicken to the skillet and generously spoon the luxurious sauce over the meat.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Flavorful Additions & Tips for This Dish

• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to match your personal spice tolerance – less for mild flavors, more for fiery excitement.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even firm white fish like cod for equally delicious results.
• Prepare the Cajun seasoning blend in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, ensuring quick and flavorful meals anytime.
• When white wine isn't available, replace with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar to maintain the sauce's depth and complexity.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles and add personal flair to the dish.

Serving Cajun Chicken with Style

• Plate with Colorful Companions: Serve the Cajun chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or herbed quinoa to catch the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce.
• Zesty Side Kick: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or colorful bell peppers to add fresh crunch and balance the spicy Cajun flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a bright, aromatic finish that adds visual appeal and a pop of freshness to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the spicy and tangy chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay that matches the lemon and garlic notes.

Storing & Reheating Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover Cajun chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or remaining sauce to keep meat juicy and tender.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare Cajun seasoning and chop garlic in advance. Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor depth and save time during meal preparation.

Fiery Cajun Chicken With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cajun chicken with garlic lemon butter sauce showcases bold Louisianan spices and creamy sauce. Savory seasonings and zesty citrus notes will delight palates and satisfy hunger for authentic Southern cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps white wine
• 3 tbsps lemon juice (45 ml)
• 3 tbsps butter (42 g)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously blend smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, Italian herbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant Cajun spice mixture.
2. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly massage the Cajun spice blend onto both sides of chicken thighs, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Skillet Preparation: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, creating an optimal searing surface, then drizzle with olive oil.
4. Chicken Searing: Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust undisturbed for 5 minutes.
5. Cooking and Temperature Check: Flip the chicken, reduce heat to low-medium, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when verified with a meat thermometer.
6. Sauce Creation: Remove chicken from skillet, then introduce finely minced garlic, white wine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the same pan, letting ingredients meld and garlic soften.
7. Sauce Finishing: Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate cold butter to create a silky, emulsified sauce, then return chicken to the skillet and coat generously with the aromatic garlic-lemon butter sauce.
8. Final Touches: Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous presentation.

Notes

• Spice Blending Tip: Create your Cajun seasoning mix ahead of time and store in an airtight container for quick, convenient meal preparation.
• Searing Secret: Allow cast iron skillet to heat thoroughly before adding oil to ensure perfect golden-brown chicken crust without sticking.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Sauce Perfection: Remove skillet from direct heat when incorporating butter to prevent sauce from breaking, ensuring smooth, glossy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg