Best 2 Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs recipe. This delectable dish is a culinary journey that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Cajun cuisine. Picture succulent chicken thighs immersed in a rich and creamy sauce, infused with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. The tender chicken, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, absorbs the aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of heat, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness. Accompanying the chicken is a medley of vegetables, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to the dish. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms sautéed to perfection, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. The finishing touch is a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning, which envelops the chicken and vegetables in a velvety embrace. Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish simmers in the Instant Pot, promising a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

INSTANT POT® CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS

Instant Pot® Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs image

This quick meal is packed with flavor without being too spicy or hot for the kiddos. Serve over wide egg pappardelle and steamed green beans.

Provided by duckman

Categories Chicken Thighs

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ¼ cups chicken bone broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 leaves fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. When the pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Leave remaining 3 tablespoons butter out to soften.
Place chicken thighs in the pot and sprinkle with basil and garlic powder. Brown for 3 minutes on each side. Temporarily remove chicken to a plate.
Pour broth into the pot and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Return chicken to the pot and cancel the Saute setting.
Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid and remove chicken thighs to a plate.
Mix softened butter and flour together in a small bowl. Select Saute function and when the sauce begins to simmer, whisk in the butter-flour mixture until sauce has thickened. Cancel Saute function.
Stir in heavy cream and roasted red peppers. Slice chicken thighs and return to the pot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 436 calories, Carbohydrate 8 g, Cholesterol 149.9 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 23.2 g, SaturatedFat 17.3 g, Sodium 758.4 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta image

You can have this creamy and comforting pasta with chicken on the table in just 30 minutes and best of all, it all cooks in one pot -- you won't even need to boil water first! It's packed with tender chicken thighs, bell peppers, and onions, and finished off with a creamy tomato sauce.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving

Steps:

Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken thighs and dark meat chicken.
If you want a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid making the dish too salty.
If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can also make this dish in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta.

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs recipe is an easy and delicious way to make a flavorful and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and protein-packed dish that your family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try!