Spicy Cajun Fried Chicken with Creamy Garlic Gravy

Byzitouni

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Cajun Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken tenders or boneless thighs 🍗
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (for that perfect tenderizing soak!) 🥛
  • 1.5 cups All-purpose flour 🌾
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for your preferred heat level!) 🌶️✨
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder & 1 tsp Smoked paprika 🧄
  • Salt & Black pepper to taste 🧂🖤
  • Vegetable oil for frying 🫒

For the Creamy Garlic Gravy:

  • 3 tbsp Butter or reserved chicken drippings 🧈
  • 3 tbsp Flour 🌾
  • 2 cups Whole milk or heavy cream 🥛
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced 🧄✨
  • ½ tsp Onion powder & a pinch of thyme 🌿
  • Salt & Pepper to taste 🧂

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Marinate: Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge. This makes the chicken incredibly juicy! 🥛🍗❄️
  2. The Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 🌪️🌾🌶️
  3. Coating: Take the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Press the flour into the chicken to create those extra-crispy bits! 🍗🤝✨
  4. The Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until it’s deep golden-brown and reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Remove and drain on a wire rack. ⏲️🥨🤤
  5. The Gravy Base: In a separate saucepan, melt butter (or use some of those flavorful pan drippings!). Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. 🧄🧈👃
  6. Thicken it Up: Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the gravy is thick and velvety. 🥛🌪️👑
  7. Plate it Up: Pour a generous lake of the creamy garlic gravy onto a plate and nestle your crispy Cajun chicken right on top as seen in the photo! 🍽️🍗🌊✨

🔥 Pro Tips:

  • The “Extra Crunch” Secret: For a super-thick crust, go for a “double dip!” Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour a second time before frying. 🍗🛡️💎
  • Spice Control: If you love it extra hot, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce directly into the buttermilk soak! 🌶️🌡️🎯

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