This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is a perfect balance of bold Cajun spices, creamy richness, and fresh citrusy brightness. Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden brown, then bathed in a luscious Cajun-spiced sauce with sweet red peppers, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. The result? A dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting!
The best part is that it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with a side of roasted veggies, or enjoying it straight from the skillet, this meal is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. A squeeze of lime at the end takes the flavors to the next level—zesty, smoky, and absolutely irresistible!
Full Recipe:
Chicken
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion granules
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Cajun Lime Sauce
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 sweet red pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 200ml chicken stock
- 150ml single cream
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lime (optional, but at least a squeeze recommended)
Directions:
- Season the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with half of the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and oregano.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the shallot, red pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the single cream and stir to combine.
- Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 595 kcal | Servings: 4
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken – A Spicy, Creamy, and Irresistible Dish
If you’re looking for a meal that is bursting with bold flavors yet incredibly easy to prepare, this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is a must-try. With its perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and citrusy zest, this dish brings together Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken thighs, and a rich, flavorful sauce in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Lime Chicken recipe stands out for several reasons:
- One Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and making the cooking process stress-free.
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings a smoky, spicy depth that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and creamy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or serve it with your favorite sides for a versatile dish.
The Magic of Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish, providing a bold and spicy kick. Originating from Louisiana, Cajun cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, often combining garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. This blend creates a smoky heat that elevates the chicken, giving it a deep, savory taste.
In this recipe, the Cajun seasoning is used twice—first to coat the chicken, ensuring it’s well-seasoned and crispy when seared, and second in the sauce to infuse every bite with rich, spiced goodness.
The Creamy Cajun Lime Sauce
One of the most irresistible elements of this dish is the creamy Cajun lime sauce. The combination of chicken stock, single cream, and fresh lime juice creates a luscious, velvety texture that perfectly complements the heat of the seasoning.
The sauce not only enhances the chicken but also makes this dish incredibly versatile. You can drizzle it over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to make every component of your meal equally delicious.
Balancing Spice with Citrus
The addition of lime is what sets this Cajun chicken apart. The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing out the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning. It also adds a refreshing burst of flavor that keeps the dish light and vibrant.
While the recipe suggests using fresh lime juice, you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Some may enjoy a strong citrusy punch, while others might prefer just a subtle hint of lime.
Perfect Pairings – What to Serve with Cajun Lime Chicken
This dish is already a complete meal, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even Cajun-style dirty rice will soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes provide a comforting, mild contrast to the bold, spicy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning make an excellent side.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern staple, cornbread adds a slightly sweet balance to the smoky heat of the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for different variations based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
- Protein Options: If you prefer a leaner option, swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the single cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
- Lower Carb Alternative: Instead of serving with rice or potatoes, try pairing the chicken with cauliflower rice or a crisp salad.
- Extra Heat: If you love spice, add extra cayenne pepper or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is an excellent dish for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over medium heat.
- Reheating: If the sauce thickens too much upon storage, add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to bring back its original consistency.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is the perfect blend of bold spices, creamy texture, and refreshing citrus flavors. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and effortless preparation.
So, if you’re ready for a meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, give this recipe a try. You’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!