Indulge in this flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a zingy Cajun lemon butter sauce, served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of roasted asparagus. This recipe brings vibrant flavors and textures together, perfect for a delightful dinner experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
🐔 3 pounds chicken tenders
🧄 1 tablespoon garlic powder
🧅 1 tablespoon onion powder
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
🌶️ 1 tablespoon paprika
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🫒 1/3 cup olive oil (for searing)
Cajun Lemon Sauce:
🍯 1 stick unsalted butter
🧄 5 cloves garlic, minced
🌶️ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
🍋 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
🍋 Zest of one lemon
🍋 Juice of one large lemon
🌿 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Mashed Potatoes:
🥔 5 large russet potatoes
🥄 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
💦 6-7 cups water
🍯 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
🧀 1 packet Boursin shallot and chives cream cheese
🥛 1 cup heavy cream (warmed)
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
Asparagus:
🌿 2.25 lb asparagus (trimmed and washed)
🫒 3 tablespoons olive oil
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
🍋 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
🧄 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1- Prepare Chicken Tenders:
- Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm for about 1 minute. Add chicken tenders in batches, cooking each side for 4 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
2- Make Cajun Lemon Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir well.
- Return chicken tenders and juices to the pan. Flip them in the sauce and simmer over low heat for 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
3- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel, wash, and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in a large pot with water and chicken bouillon until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash potatoes with butter, Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and salt until smooth and creamy.
4- Roast Asparagus:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
5- Assemble and Serve:
- Place creamy mashed potatoes on a plate, add chicken tenders on top, and roasted asparagus on the side. Drizzle with Cajun lemon butter sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approx. 620
Nutritional Information per Serving: Proteins: 44g, Fats: 38g, Carbohydrates: 34g
Equipment:
- Large pan
- Large pot
- Baking tray
- Potato masher
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure chicken is cooked in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, allowing for even cooking and a proper sear.
- Adjust seasoning to taste preference.
#chicken #cajun #dinner #recipe #cooking #delicious #foodie #homemade
YouTube channel - EmanInTheKitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@EmanInTheKitchen
Cajun Lemon Butter Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus