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Cajun Crunch Chicken with Creamy Garlic Pepper Gravy Recipe

Cajun Crunch Chicken with Creamy Garlic Pepper Gravy Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

This Cajun Crunch Chicken with Creamy Garlic Pepper Gravy is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy, spicy fried chicken coated in a crunchy flour and cornstarch breading, paired with a rich, creamy garlic pepper gravy. Perfect for dinner served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, this recipe delivers a satisfying combination of bold Cajun spices and comforting creamy gravy.

Ingredients

Scale

Cajun Crunch Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch (extra crunch)
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (or air-frying)

Creamy Garlic Pepper Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1½ cups milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Soak the chicken breasts or thighs in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce (if using) for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Bread & Fry: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture pressing firmly to ensure an even, thick coating. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or skillet, then fry the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Alternatively, air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
  3. Make Gravy: In a separate pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk or heavy cream until the gravy is smooth and begins to thicken. Season with cracked black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and salt to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or additional milk to reach desired consistency.
  4. Serve: Place the crispy Cajun chicken on a plate and generously spoon the creamy garlic pepper gravy over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or warm biscuits for a complete comforting meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Cornstarch in the breading mix adds extra crunch to the coating.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper provides the best gravy flavor and aroma.
  • You can adjust the heat level by increasing or omitting the hot sauce in the marinade and Cajun seasoning amounts.
  • If the gravy thickens too much, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
  • For a lighter option, air frying produces a crispy texture with less oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, crunchy fried chicken, garlic pepper gravy, Southern comfort food, homemade gravy, fried chicken recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://maicook.com/cajun-crunch-chicken-with-creamy-garlic-pepper-gravy-recipe/