Introduction

Cajun Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish that brings bold, Southern-inspired flavors to your table. Tender chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, spicy gravy that’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

This image shows a white plate with three main layers of food. The bottom layer is a bed of light, fluffy mashed potatoes covering half the plate. On top of that, there are pieces of chicken, browned and covered in a thick, dark brown gravy with visible chunks of cooked onions and green peppers. Around the chicken and gravy, there are roasted baby carrots, orange with a slight shine, arranged in small groups. The plate rests on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for best moisture and flavor
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (made from paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk/plant-based cream for dairy-free)

Instructions

Step 1: Generously coat the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Remove the chicken from the pan. Add chopped onions and garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, building a savory base for the gravy.
Step 3: Add butter to the pan and melt it with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously to form a roux; cook until it turns golden and smells nutty.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, letting the mixture thicken into a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spices as needed.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan, cover partially, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy coats the meat beautifully.
Step 7: Once the chicken is tender and the gravy is thick and flavorful, spoon generous amounts of gravy over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

Use bone-in chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor.
Don’t skip cooking the roux properly to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Adjust spice level gradually to suit your taste by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne.
Let the gravy simmer slowly for the best flavor melding and texture.
Rest the dish a few minutes before serving to allow gravy thickening and redistribute chicken juices.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or your preferred plant-based cream.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the gravy has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze as well due to the cream, but you can freeze the chicken and broth separately before combining.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with three layers of food arranged. The bottom layer is white mashed potatoes, spread out on one side of the plate with a soft, fluffy texture. On top, there are several pieces of golden-brown chicken breast, covered in a thick brown gravy with visible small chunks of green and orange vegetables. Around the chicken and gravy, bright orange cooked baby carrots are scattered, adding a pop of color to the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled table surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but bone-in thighs provide more moisture and richer flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the roux. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.