Cajun Chicken Mushroom Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cajun Chicken Mushroom Bites are a flavorful, quick dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Tender chicken thigh pieces seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices are sautéed alongside earthy mushrooms, creating a savory, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ¾-1 inch pieces
- 6-8 oz small crimini or button mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp light flavored olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked or plain paprika
- 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp granulated onion or onion powder
- ¾ tsp crushed oregano
- ¾ tsp crushed thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the chicken thighs into ¾-1 inch pieces and place them in a medium bowl. In a separate container, mix paprika, granulated garlic, salt, black pepper, granulated onion, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spice mixture to the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Sauté while stirring or turning constantly until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, which should take a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
- Step 3: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Add the mushrooms and 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stir them into the mushrooms. Cook while stirring frequently for about 4 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken and any juices accumulated on the plate back to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh Italian parsley and serve warm, either on its own or over rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper gradually according to your heat preference.
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for brightness and enhanced flavor.
- Try using baby bella mushrooms or shiitake for a deeper mushroom flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the chicken from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, dried parsley can be used, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Add about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley when combining the chicken and mushrooms.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and check labels on any packaged ingredients you use.
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Cajun Chicken Mushroom Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cajun Chicken Mushroom Bites are a flavorful, quick skillet-cooked dish featuring tender pieces of boneless chicken thighs seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, sautéed alongside juicy crimini mushrooms. Finished with fresh Italian parsley, this savory meal is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer served alone or over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ¾–1 inch pieces
- 1 tsp smoked or plain paprika
- 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp granulated onion or onion powder
- ¾ tsp crushed oregano
- ¾ tsp crushed thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp light flavored olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for seasoning, 2 tbsp for cooking)
Mushrooms
- 6–8 oz small crimini or button mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 2 tbsp water
Finishing Touch
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Dice the boneless skinless chicken thighs into ¾-1 inch pieces and place in a medium bowl. In a separate container, mix together smoked or plain paprika, granulated garlic or garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated onion or onion powder, crushed oregano, crushed thyme, and cayenne pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of light flavored olive oil to the spice mixture, then pour it over the chicken. Toss everything well to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of light flavored olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Sauté the chicken, stirring or turning constantly, until it is lightly browned on the outside and cooked through, about several minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Cook mushrooms: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Add the halved or quartered mushrooms and 2 tablespoons of water to the same skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan gently with a spatula to lift up any browned bits left from cooking the chicken, mixing them into the mushrooms. Stir frequently and cook for about 4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their juices.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet with the tender mushrooms. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve immediately, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a few shakes of hot sauce while cooking.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tenderness and richer flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
- You can substitute fresh thyme and oregano if available for a more fragrant dish.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun chicken, mushroom bites, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, spicy chicken, sautéed mushrooms
