Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with this divine Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy. Inspired by the flavors of the bayou, this dish celebrates the art of graceful comfort food, where every bite is a symphony of flavorful indulgence. Get ready to savor the juicy, spice-infused chicken enveloped in a crisp, golden crust, all complemented by a luscious, velvety pepper gravy that will tantalize your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Cajun Fried Chicken recipe, where the crunch of the perfectly seasoned crust gives way to succulent, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The creamy pepper gravy, made with a rich roux and a blend of aromatic spices, is the perfect accompaniment, adding a decadent touch to this wholesome and satisfying dish. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Cajun country, where the flavors are bold, the textures are divine, and the overall experience is nothing short of heavenly.
Ingredients
Gather the finest ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, buttermilk, and a selection of pantry staples like salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil. For the creamy pepper gravy, you’ll require unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk, heavy cream, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp – Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup – Buttermilk
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1 tsp – Black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Milk
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 tsp – Freshly cracked black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Lighter texture: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy
Get ready to embark on a journey of flavorful indulgence as you bring this Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy to life.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coating. Prepare the breading station by mixing the all-purpose flour with additional Cajun seasoning in one shallow dish, and pouring the buttermilk into another dish. Melt the butter in a saucepan for the gravy.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Dip the seasoned chicken thighs first in the buttermilk, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken thighs and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken is frying, whisk the flour into the melted butter to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, and serve hot, drizzled with the luscious creamy pepper gravy.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning in both the chicken and the gravy.
- Extra Crispy: For a crunchier crust, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Fresh Garnish: To add a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Hearty Meal: For a heartier meal, serve the Cajun Fried Chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy is best enjoyed hot and fresh, allowing the flavors to mingle and the textures to shine.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet, and serve with the reheated gravy. For best results, the gravy should be stored separately and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy is a satisfying and indulgent dish, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when savored in moderation. A serving of this dish provides a good source of protein, with the chicken and gravy offering a decadent yet wholesome experience.
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with 1/4 cup gravy
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts or a mix of both. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, the creamy pepper gravy can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the Cajun-seasoned chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
To achieve an even crispier crust, try double-dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and seasoned flour mixture. Additionally, you can let the breaded chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before frying to allow the coating to adhere better.
Can I use a different type of gravy?
Absolutely! While the creamy pepper gravy is a delicious complement, you can experiment with other gravies, such as a classic white gravy or a rich, mushroom-based gravy, to pair with the Cajun Fried Chicken.
Try These Next
- Chicken Fried Steak With White Pepper Gravy
- Country Fried Steak With Creamy White Gravy
- Buttermilk Fried Catfish With Creamy Cajun Sauce
Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Pepper Gravy is a delightful dish that combines crispy, spicy chicken with a rich and velvety gravy. Perfect for a comforting dinner that impresses.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
2. 2. In a bowl, mix flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
4. 4. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes per side.
5. 5. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
6. 6. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
7. 7. Stir in black pepper and simmer until thickened.
8. 8. Serve chicken with creamy pepper gravy.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg