Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of Cajun spices and garlic powder, pan-seared to perfection in olive oil and butter. The dish is finished with a rich, buttery garlic-lemon sauce made in the same skillet, creating a deliciously simple meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley and best served with mashed potatoes or your favorite side, this recipe combines bold Cajun flavors with creamy garlic butter sauce for an irresistibly tasty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional, depending on saltiness of Cajun seasoning)
Cooking Fats and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), divided
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Evenly sprinkle both sides with the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. If your Cajun seasoning is not salty, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic, lemon juice, and low-sodium chicken broth. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan as the sauce cooks. Let it bubble gently for about one minute to combine and enhance the flavors.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to warm in the sauce for a minute or two to soak up the flavors. Note that the sauce is rich and buttery, so a little goes a long way.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken if using, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a side of your choice.
Notes
- Check the salt content of your Cajun seasoning before adding additional salt.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the buttery sauce at its richest.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
