Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

INTRODUCTION

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with a nice kick. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet and spicy mix. It delivers tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tasty fettuccine, making it a satisfying meal for any time of the year. Whether you are cooking for your family or wanting to impress guests, this dish will surely be a hit.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will fall in love with Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken for many reasons. First, the blend of Cajun seasoning and honey creates a unique flavor. The spiciness from the Cajun seasoning balances out the sweetness of the honey, giving every bite a perfect harmony. Second, the creamy sauce takes the dish to another level. It clings to the fettuccine and enhances the chicken’s taste without overpowering it. Third, making this dish is simple. You do not need advanced cooking skills to create a meal that looks and tastes gourmet. Finally, you can prepare this recipe in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

HOW TO MAKE Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

Making Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken is easy and fun. Follow the simple steps below, and you will have a delicious meal on your table in no time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining the pasta
• Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Knife for dicing chicken and mincing garlic
• Cutting board

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 60 grams unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 225 grams fettuccine
• Reserved pasta water

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the fettuccine, reserving 120 milliliters of the cooking water.
4. Combine diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter.
7. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Stir in honey and let simmer for 1 minute to meld flavors.
9. Pour in heavy cream and stir until fully combined. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
11. Add the drained fettuccine to the pan and gently toss with chicken and sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water.
12. Plate immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

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HOW TO SERVE Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

To serve Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken, twirl the fettuccine onto plates and top it generously with the chicken and creamy sauce. You can garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair this dish with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. If you want to freeze it, place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken pairs well with various sides. Here are some tasty suggestions:

• Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
• Crusty garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted vegetables for a healthy option

VARIATIONS

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Here are some variations:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper for some extra kick if you like it spicy.
• Substitute Pasta: If you don’t have fettuccine, use any pasta shape you enjoy, like penne or spaghetti.
• Use Different Proteins: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them when ready to serve and cook the pasta fresh to maintain the best texture.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

3. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
   Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. If you’re concerned about spice, look for a mild version or adjust the amount you use.

4. Can I skip the honey?
   Honey adds a nice sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer. You can also replace it with maple syrup for a different flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

To make your cooking process smoother, here are a few make-ahead tips:

• Season Chicken: You can season the chicken with Cajun spices a few hours ahead or even the night before. This gives the chicken extra flavor.
• Prepare Sauce: Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just warm it on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
• Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine ahead of time and toss it lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, quickly reheat it with the sauce.

Using these tips, you can quickly prepare Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken, making busy weeknights or entertaining simple and enjoyable. Enjoy your meal!

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken

A delightful dish combining rich flavors with a sweet and spicy mix, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fettuccine.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced Diced for quicker cooking
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference
• Salt to taste Salt, to taste Adjust seasoning as necessary
• Black pepper to taste Black pepper, to taste Adjust seasoning as necessary
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken

Sauce and Pasta

• 60 grams unsalted butter For the sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey Provides sweetness and balance
• 120 milliliters heavy cream For creaminess in the sauce
• 225 grams fettuccine Or your choice of pasta
• 120 milliliters reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the fettuccine, reserving 120 milliliters of the cooking water.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Combine diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey and let simmer for 1 minute to meld flavors.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until fully combined. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Combining Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
2. Add the drained fettuccine to the pan and gently toss with chicken and sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water.
3. Plate immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.