One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table. This recipe combines juicy chicken with aromatic garlic and zesty lemon, all while cooking in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this creamy and spicy dish will impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and comforting textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only one pan needed, this recipe simplifies both cooking and cleanup.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, Cajun seasoning, and lemon zest creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream gives the dish a luxurious creaminess that enhances every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to everyone, making it ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure smooth cooking. Having the right equipment at hand makes preparing One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi even more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: This allows for even cooking and provides enough space to sear the chicken while accommodating all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your skillet and helps combine flavors seamlessly.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Precise measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in the dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Rice

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

For the Creamy Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

• Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
• In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
• Add seasoned chicken to the skillet; cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

• In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

• Add uncooked rice to the pan; stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it in garlicky butter.

Step 4: Deglaze & Simmer

• Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
• Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

• Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
• Let everything simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until creamy.

Step 6: Add Back Chicken

• Return cooked chicken back into the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly while heating through.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot!

Enjoy your One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi with Creamy Rice — it’s sure to become a new favorite!

How to Serve One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. The creamy rice and zesty chicken pair well with numerous accompaniments, making it versatile for different occasions.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.

Add Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce, enhancing the meal’s flavor and texture.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges can brighten the dish and allow guests to add extra citrusy zing as desired.

Serve over Spinach

• Place a bed of sautéed spinach on the plate before adding the chicken scampi for added nutrition and a pop of color.

Garnish with Extra Parmesan

• A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

To achieve a truly exceptional One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and spices will significantly elevate the dish’s taste compared to dried alternatives.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden crust.

• Monitor rice cooking time: Keep an eye on the rice while simmering. Adding more broth if needed ensures perfect texture without sticking.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference or try adding other spices for a unique twist.

• Finish with fresh herbs: Adding fresh parsley or basil right before serving offers brightness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

Enhance your meal by pairing One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi with delicious side dishes. These options will complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce; easy to prepare by spreading butter and garlic on slices before baking until golden.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the scampi.

3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing create a refreshing contrast to the dish’s creaminess.

4. Roasted Asparagus: Simply tossed in olive oil and seasoned before roasting, asparagus adds an elegant touch to your meal.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that pairs well with rich flavors, making it an ideal side option.

6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious complement that’s also filling.

7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings seasonal flair; grill or boil it for a simple yet satisfying side.

8. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative while adding freshness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can ensure your One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi turns out perfectly every time. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning before cooking.

• Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic for too long can result in a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant and avoid browning.

• Not letting the rice toast: Skipping the rice toasting step can prevent it from achieving a nice flavor. Toasting enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Ignoring cooking times: Each ingredient has its specific cook time. Watch closely when simmering the rice to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all flavors.

• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the dish’s flavor. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth for the best results.

• Neglecting garnishes: Forgetting to add fresh parsley or extra Parmesan can make your dish less appealing. Always garnish before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about this recipe that may help enhance your experience:

How do I make One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños while sautéing garlic for an extra kick.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but remember that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time compared to white rice. Adjust accordingly!

What sides pair well with One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi?

Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy richness of the dish.

Can I substitute chicken with turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or turkey breast works well as a substitute in this recipe without compromising flavor.

How do I store leftovers of One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi?

Follow our storage instructions above for optimal freshness and flavor retention.

Final Thoughts

One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner parties, making it a must-try recipe!