Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

Brace yourself for the ultimate culinary delight with this Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce! This mouthwatering sandwich combines juicy, spiced chicken thighs, charred veggies, and creamy Cajun sauce all tucked into a toasty roll. It’s packed with flavors that dance on your palate and leave you longing for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: The blackened spices imbue the chicken with a smoky, spicy taste that’s simply irresistible.
  • Delightful Texture: Juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, and melting cheese create a delightful texture contrast.
  • Versatile: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a casual dinner, it hits the spot every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce is all about simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing a unique taste and texture to the dish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Keeps things juicy and flavorful. They’re the star of your cheesesteak!
  • Tony Chachere’s Butter Injectable Marinade: Infuses the chicken with a deep buttery flavor that complements the spices.
  • Avocado Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring a good sear on the chicken.
  • Blackening Spices: A tasty mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano that creates a bold crust.
  • Red Bell Pepper and Onion: Add sweetness and texture, beautifully complementing the spicy chicken.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts perfectly to create a creamy, dreamy finish.
  • Hoagie Rolls: Sturdy enough to hold all those delightful fillings without getting soggy.
  • Cajun Sauce: Made with mayo, Tony’s seasoning, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, and hot sauce for a creamy, tangy kick.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to tweak and adjust it based on what’s in your pantry, dietary preferences, or adventurous taste buds.

  • Swap Proteins: Try using shrimp or thinly sliced steak for a different yet delightful version.
  • Cheese Choice: Swap provolone for mozzarella or pepper jack to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by injecting the chicken thighs with the Tony Chachere’s Butter Injectable Marinade. This ensures each bite is full of buttery goodness. Let them marinate at room temperature to soak in the flavors before you start cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Mix your blackening spices in a bowl and coat the marinated chicken generously. Let it sit for another 15-30 minutes. This rest period lets those spices adhere, forming an incredible crust when cooked.

Step 3: Blacken the Chicken

Heat a pan to medium-high and add the avocado oil. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. This will give you that blackened effect with a juicy interior.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in your sliced red bell pepper and red onion. Allow them to cook until they’re softened and slightly charred—about 6-8 minutes. This process will enhance their flavors with the leftover blackened bits in the pan.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Combine the sliced chicken and veggies, top with the provolone slices, and cover until the cheese melts. Spread the creamy Cajun sauce on toasted hoagie rolls, fill them with the chicken mixture, and serve piping hot!

Pro Tips for Making Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • Perfect Searing: For a crispy blackened crust, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken.
  • Sauce Chilling: Allow the Cajun sauce to chill to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Cheese Melting: Use a dome lid or cover the pan to melt the cheese faster and evenly.
  • Marinade Magic: Don’t rush the marination. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor.

How to Serve Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and fresh aroma to cap off your delicious cheesesteaks. Plus, they add a hint of freshness to every bite!

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty sandwich with some sweet potato fries or a zesty coleslaw to complement the spice and rich flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cheesesteaks on a wooden board for a rustic feel, or wrap them in parchment paper for a casual, diner-like touch. Layer the filled sandwich halves slightly overlapping for an enticing platter presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful for quick meals later on.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and veggies separately. These can be kept up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling your sandwiches.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked.

  2. What if I can’t find Tony Chachere’s marinade?

    You can use any flavored butter marinade or make your own with melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings.

  3. Is it necessary to chill the Cajun sauce?

    Chilling the sauce enhances the flavor as the ingredients marry. However, if you’re short on time, you can use it immediately after mixing.

  4. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

    Absolutely! A stovetop skillet or grill pan will work perfectly fine to achieve the blackened crust on your chicken thighs.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to take a bite out of flavor heaven? This Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your home. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness for yourself!

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Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sauteing
  • Cuisine: Southern American, Cajun-inspired

Description

This Blackened Chicken Thigh Cheesesteak with Creamy Cajun Sauce combines bold, smoky flavors with tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted hoagie roll. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it features a spicy Cajun sauce that adds a creamy, zesty kick to each bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Marinade & Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Butter Injectable Marinade
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

Spices & Vegetables

  • Blackening spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red onion sliced

Cheese & Buns

  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 hoagie rolls

Cajun Sauce

  • 2 tbsp mayo
  • 1 tsp Tony’s seasoning
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 dash hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Marinate the chicken thighs with the injectable marinade and let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. Apply Spices: Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano to make the blackening spices. Coat the marinated chicken generously with this spice blend and let sit for 15-30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
  3. Prepare Cajun Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, Tony’s seasoning, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Mix well, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
  4. Blacken Chicken: Heat a skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil. Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 175°F is reached. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced peppers and onions and sauté until soft and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes. Use the same pan to pick up the smoky flavors from the blackening process.
  6. Assemble & Melt: Mix sliced chicken with sautéed peppers and onions in the pan. Top with provolone cheese and cover briefly or use a lid to melt the cheese.
  7. Prepare Rolls & Serve: Toast hoagie rolls until lightly browned. Spread the chilled Cajun sauce inside each roll. Fill with the chicken and vegetable mixture, then serve immediately for a flavorful, spicy cheesesteak.

Notes

  • Don’t move the chicken while blackening to develop a proper crust.
  • Use the same pan for vegetables to layer flavors from the blackened chicken.
  • Cheese melts faster if you cover the pan with a lid or dome.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1350mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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