Cajun Chicken Mushroom Bites (Printer-Friendly)
Tender spicy chicken thighs cooked with mushrooms, smoky paprika, and fresh herbs for a quick, satisfying dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
450 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into ¾ to 1 inch pieces
→ Seasoning
02 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 -
½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 -
½ teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
07 -
¼ teaspoon crushed dried oregano
08 -
¼ teaspoon crushed dried thyme
09 -
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
→ Cooking Liquids and Oils
10 -
15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) light-flavored olive oil, plus 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) for cooking
11 -
30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) water
→ Vegetables
12 -
150 grams small crimini or button mushrooms, halved or quartered
13 -
5 grams (1 tablespoon) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Dice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces approximately ¾ to 1 inch squares for even and quick cooking.
02 -
Combine smoked paprika, granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, crushed oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spice mixture until evenly coated. Let rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
03 -
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook, turning frequently, until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 -
Add mushrooms and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Scrape browned bits from the skillet to infuse flavor as mushrooms sauté for about 4 minutes until tender.
05 -
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through. Sprinkle with chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Allowing the chicken to rest with the spice rub deepens flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a crispy texture. Scraping pan bits during mushroom cooking adds extra savory richness.