When I think of comfort food, Cajun Smothered Chicken always tops my list! It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas and keeps you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

I love making this recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment. Plus, with the punchy Cajun spices, it’s a guaranteed hit at dinner.

If you’re a fan of Southern cooking or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, this Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe is your new go-to!

It’s perfect for when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this Southern classic and see what makes it so irresistible.

Table of Contents

Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe

Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Southern Cajun
Course: Main Course
Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: 400 kcal (approx.)

Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Cajun smothered chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ cup cassava flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Crystal hot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Season The Chicken:

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. This spice mix gives the chicken that authentic Cajun kick.

2. Coat The Chicken In Flour:

Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in cassava flour (or regular flour if you prefer), making sure it’s evenly coated. This will help the chicken crisp up when frying and also thicken the gravy later.

3. Sear The Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. After removing it from the skillet, set the chicken aside.

4. Cook The Veggies:

In the same skillet, toss in the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and start to brown.

5. Make The Gravy:

Stir in the chicken broth, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful brown bits mixed into the gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Smother The Chicken:

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the veggies and gravy. Cover and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Thicken The Gravy (Optional):

If you want the gravy to be thicker, you can mix a teaspoon of cassava flour with a little water and stir it into the skillet. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.

Tips And Variations

Make It Spicier: If you’re a heat lover like me, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or an extra splash of hot sauce to the gravy.
Substitutions: Don’t have chicken thighs? You can easily use boneless chicken breasts instead, just adjust the cooking time so the breasts don’t dry out.
Cassava Flour Swap: If you don’t have cassava flour, regular all-purpose flour works just as well. It helps create that luscious gravy we all love in a smothered chicken dish.
Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify over time, making the leftovers just as good—if not better!

Why Is It Called Cajun Smothered Chicken?

The term “smothered” in Southern cooking refers to slowly cooking meat in a flavorful gravy until it’s tender and infused with all the spices. This Cajun smothered chicken gets its bold flavors from the famous Cajun seasoning, a staple in Louisiana cuisine.

The combination of the smoky paprika, garlic, and cayenne creates that signature “Cajun” taste that packs every bite with warmth and spice. And who can resist chicken coated in a rich, hearty gravy? It’s pure comfort food!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Cajun Smothered Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy!

You could also pair it with cornbread and sautéed greens for a true Southern feast. Trust me, the combination of tender chicken, creamy gravy, and these sides is absolutely irresistible.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got this Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is ideal for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even when you want to impress guests without a lot of effort.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any twists you made to the recipe!

So, are you ready to bring some bold Southern flavors to your kitchen? Grab those ingredients and let’s make magic happen!

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Naznin Aktar

Publisher at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe curator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.