Get ready for a taste bud fiesta! We’ve got a lip-smackin’ recipe for Cajun chicken thighs in a creamy dream sauce. And guess what? It’s not just delish; it’s a one-pot wonder that’ll be on your plate in just 30 minutes. So flavorful, even your non-low-carb pals will be drooling!
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken thighs have a richer, more robust flavor compared to chicken breasts. Their natural flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces and bold seasonings like Cajun spices. The chicken I used today was free-range and free from any injected saline solution. While it may come at a slightly higher cost, this choice aligns with my perspective on health and nutrition.
Cajun seasoning is renowned for its bold and robust flavor profile. It combines spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and more to create a zesty, spicy, and savory blend that elevates the taste of your chicken to a whole new level.
The healthy fats in olive oil can help you feel more satisfied and full, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking, which is beneficial when you’re on a keto diet.
Fresh onion and garlic provide a robust and aromatic flavor base for your dish. They impart a savory, sweet, and slightly pungent taste that complements the creamy sauce and Cajun seasoning, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste.
Heavy cream is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, making it an ideal ingredient for those following a keto diet. It helps to meet the high-fat requirements of the diet while keeping carb intake to a minimum.
The high-fat content in heavy cream can contribute to a sense of fullness and satisfaction, which is beneficial for controlling appetite and staying on track with a keto diet.
Grass-fed butter has a distinct, nutty, and robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of your keto chicken dish. Its unique taste adds depth and complexity to the recipe.
When grated and added to creamy sauces, Parmesan cheese contributes to a thick and velvety texture, creating a delightful creaminess without relying on high-carb thickeners.
Spinach is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. It contributes to the overall nutritional content of your keto meal.
Mozzarella cheese is known for its excellent melting properties. It adds a delightful stringy and gooey texture when melted into a creamy sauce, creating a visually appealing and satisfying experience.
Is mozzarella cheese keto?
Yes, mozzarella cheese is considered keto-friendly. It’s a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet for several reasons:
- Low in Carbohydrates: Mozzarella cheese is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it compatible with the low-carb nature of the keto diet.
- High in Healthy Fats: Mozzarella cheese contains a good amount of healthy fats, which are a central component of the keto diet. These fats help provide the necessary energy for those on a ketogenic eating plan.
- Moderate Protein Content: While mozzarella cheese does contain protein, the levels are moderate and fit well within the protein guidelines of the keto diet.
- Calcium and Nutrients: Mozzarella cheese is a source of essential nutrients like calcium, which can be beneficial in maintaining overall health.
- Versatility: Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various keto recipes, from salads to main dishes, adding flavor and a pleasing texture.
- Melting Properties: Mozzarella cheese is known for its excellent melting properties, making it a great choice for keto-friendly pizzas, casseroles, and creamy dishes.
However, it’s essential to monitor portion sizes and overall daily carb intake, as even keto-friendly foods should be consumed in moderation to maintain ketosis. Additionally, some processed versions of mozzarella cheese may contain added ingredients, so it’s a good practice to check product labels to ensure they align with your dietary goals.
Instructions
Let’s get this keto party started! Season those chicken thighs with your favorite Cajun seasoning, and give ’em some love. Now, it’s time to play with some veggies – dice up that onion and garlic. And don’t forget the cream, butter, spinach, and all that cheesy goodness. Line ’em up like a culinary dream team right by your cooktop. We’re in for a creamy, cheesy adventure!
Time to sizzle and dazzle! Grab your trusty skillet and let it meet the flames on high heat. Add a swirl of olive oil to coat the pan – it’s like giving it a cozy olive oil jacket. Now, gently lay those seasoned chicken thighs down and let ’em sizzle on one side, for about 2-3 minutes.
Next, dial it down to medium-high heat and give those chicken champs a flip. Sear the other side for another 2 minutes or so.
Once they’re all golden and gorgeous, bring the heat down to medium, and let your chicken stars take a bow. They’ve earned it!
Now it’s time to add some flavor fireworks! Toss in those chopped onions and garlic and let them sizzle until the onion starts to get all cozy and soft. Oh, and here comes the butter, melting into the mix like a creamy dream.
Pour in that luscious cream, sprinkle in your favorite Cajun seasoning, and invite both cheeses to the party. Give it a good whisk to make sure everyone’s mingling nicely. Watch as the cheese melts into a glorious, cheesy harmony.
Bring back our superstar chicken to the pan and let it simmer on one side for a couple of minutes. Then, add that vibrant spinach and give everything a gentle flip. Let the spinach get to know the sauce while you simmer to your preferred doneness.
And there you have it, a plate of pure keto magic ready to shine! For that final touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley and maybe a dash of paprika for an extra flourish.
What is the safe temperature for chicken?
The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). This temperature should be reached and maintained in the thickest part of the chicken, whether it’s a whole bird, pieces, or ground chicken. Cooking chicken to this temperature is crucial to ensure that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed, making the chicken safe to eat.
Using a food thermometer to check the internal temperature is the most reliable way to ensure that your chicken is cooked safely without overcooking it. It’s important to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone, as bone can retain heat and provide an inaccurate reading.
Once your chicken reaches 165°F, it is safe to eat, and you can enjoy your meal with confidence, knowing that it has been cooked to the recommended temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
For more information on the safe cooking and handling of chicken can be found on the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/chicken.html
What to serve with creamy cajun chicken?
Time to pick your culinary co-star! This creamy keto chicken is like a superstar on its own, but it loves to share the stage. You can go classic with a side of steamed broccoli, making it the perfect partner in deliciousness. Or, for a twist, pair it up with mashed cauliflower they’re the dynamic duo of the keto world. So go ahead, let the sidekick saga begin!
How to store and reheat creamy cajun chicken thighs?
Storing and reheating creamy Cajun chicken thighs is a breeze. Here’s how:
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover creamy Cajun chicken thighs to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container with the date to help keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat it on medium power in short intervals. Check and stir between intervals to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
- Oven: To maintain the creamy texture, using the oven is a preferred method. Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 275-300°F or 135-150°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying, and reheat for about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overheating.
- Stovetop: On the stovetop, you can reheat the chicken gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method takes a bit more time but can help maintain the creamy texture.
- Add a Splash of Cream: If you notice the sauce has thickened during storage, you can add a splash of cream or chicken broth while reheating to restore its creaminess.
Remember that reheated chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Once reheated, enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken thighs all over again!
If this creamy Cajun chicken tickled your taste buds and made you do a little happy dance in the kitchen, don’t keep it to yourself! Share the keto love with your foodie friends, and let them in on the secret of this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-tasty delight. After all, good food is meant to be shared, and laughter over delicious dishes is the spice of life!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 each chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoing Slap Ya Mama Low sodium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese
- 2 oz mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Slap Ya Mama Low sodium
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with the Cajun seasoning of choice, and dice the onion and garlic. Measure out the cream, butter, spinach, and cheeses.
- Preheat a pan on high heat, and add olive oil and seasoned chicken. Sear the chicken on both sides. Reduce heat to medium and remove the chicken.6 each chicken thighs, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoing, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- To your pan add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.1/4 cup onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the butter, cream, last of the cajun seasoning, and cheese. Whisk to combine.2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 oz parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 2 oz mozzarella cheese
- After the cheese has melted add the chicken. Cook on one side for 2.5 minutes. Add the spinach and flip the chicken and cook to desired doneness (approximately another 2.5 minutes).1/4 cup spinach
This is really restaurant quality! Love it!
Love the creamy sauce