Cajun Chicken & Gravy

Cajun Chicken & Gravy

If comfort food had a spicy, soulful cousin it would definitely be this Cajun Chicken & Gravy. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken bathed in a rich, velvety gravy that’s bursting with bold Cajun flavor. It’s cozy, a little fiery, and absolutely packed with personality. Whether you’re spooning it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or soaking it up with warm biscuits, this dish is a total vibe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug with a kick!

Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken & Gravy

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, grits, or even crusty bread. It works for weeknights or when company’s coming over.

Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs or breasts, basic pantry items, and a Cajun spice blend no need to splurge to enjoy something amazing.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here it comes together in one skillet with simple ingredients.

Customizable: Dial the heat up or down, add veggies, or finish with a splash of cream for an extra indulgent twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cajun Chicken & Gravy

This dish is about bold spices, juicy chicken, and that luscious, savory gravy.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

The main event. Boneless, skinless chicken cooked until juicy and golden brown. Thighs are extra flavorful, but breasts work beautifully too.

Cajun Seasoning

This is where the magic happens smoky, spicy, herby goodness all rolled into one punchy blend.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

Boosts the savory flavor and rounds out the Cajun spice perfectly.

Flour

Used to coat the chicken lightly and to help thicken the gravy into that perfect silky texture.

Butter & Oil

The dream team for browning the chicken and building a flavorful base for the gravy.

Chicken Broth

Adds depth to the gravy and helps deglaze all those tasty brown bits from the pan.

Heavy Cream (Optional)

For a creamier twist, just a splash at the end makes it extra luscious and rich.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get that chicken golden and delicious.

Combine Ingredients

Season your chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt. Lightly dredge in flour just enough to coat.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Add a combo of butter and oil to the hot skillet. The oil keeps the butter from burning, and together they create a beautiful browning surface.

Assemble the Dish

Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Cook to Perfection

Lower the heat and add a bit more butter if needed. Sprinkle in flour and stir to make a roux, cooking until golden. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up all the bits. Let it simmer until thickened, then return the chicken to the pan.

Finishing Touches

Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for another 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender. If using, stir in a splash of cream at the end for extra richness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or with biscuits. Spoon that beautiful gravy generously over everything!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~380
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Chicken & Gravy

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

  • Over mashed potatoes or creamy grits for the ultimate comfort combo
  • Spoon over buttered rice for a Southern classic feel
  • Served with cornbread or biscuits to soak up that gravy
  • Add sautéed greens or green beans on the side for a balanced meal
  • Try it with pasta or egg noodles for a fun twist!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
  • Use homemade Cajun seasoning if you want more control over the spice level
  • Deglaze the pan thoroughly those browned bits = big flavor
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce
  • This dish reheats beautifully, so it’s great for leftovers

FAQ’s

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.

2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It can be, but you can adjust the heat by using a mild version or making your own blend.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the gravy.

4. Can I freeze Cajun Chicken & Gravy?
Yes, but skip the cream if freezing. Add it fresh when reheating for best texture.

5. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.

6. Can I add vegetables?
Totally! Onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.

7. Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

8. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, though the gravy will be lighter and less rich.

9. What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
The flour in the roux does the job, but you can simmer longer if you want it thicker.

10. Can I use this gravy for other dishes?
Yes! It’s fantastic over meatballs, pork chops, or even roasted veggies.

CONCLUSION

Cajun Chicken & Gravy is the kind of dish that warms your soul and wakes up your taste buds. With its perfect balance of bold spice, juicy chicken, and silky gravy, it’s a cozy yet exciting twist on classic comfort food. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a hearty dinner, this one’s bound to be a repeat request. So grab that skillet and bring some Southern spice to your kitchen your taste buds will thank you!

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Cajun Chicken & Gravy

Cajun Chicken & Gravy

  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Cajun Chicken & Gravy is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in a rich, spicy gravy made with Cajun spices. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier gravy)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Return chicken to skillet and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and gravy has thickened.
  7. Stir in heavy cream if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce to the gravy.
  • Can be made dairy-free by omitting cream or using coconut milk.
  • Pairs well with cornbread or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: cajun chicken and gravy, southern chicken recipe, spicy chicken gravy, cajun comfort food, skillet chicken

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