Cajun Lime Chicken

Name: Cajun Lime Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large shallot, finely chopped; 1 red chili, finely chopped; 1 cup chicken stock; 3/4 cup light cream (single cream); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 lime, halved; Cooked basmati rice, for serving; Steamed broccoli, for serving; Greek yogurt, for serving

Cajun Lime Chicken is a one-pan dish featuring seared chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce with cherry tomatoes and fresh lime juice. The combination of smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and bright citrus makes it a simple yet restaurant-quality weeknight meal.

🌍American 🏷️Cajun chicken 🏷️Chicken thighs 🏷️One-pan meal 🏷️Creamy chicken Weeknight dinner

🏷️

🏷️Lime chicken

-0:00

thegoodbiteonTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by thegoodbite

-0:00

thegoodbiteonTikTok

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 red chili, finely chopped
1 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup light cream (single cream)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 lime, halved
Cooked basmati rice, for servingoptional
Steamed broccoli, for servingoptional
Greek yogurt, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with smoked paprika, oregano, about half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the finely chopped shallot and red chili. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4
Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning.
5
Pour in the chicken stock and light cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6
Add the cherry tomatoes, then return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Place the lime halves in the sauce.
7
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
8
Serve the chicken and sauce over basmati rice with a side of steamed broccoli. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and squeeze the cooked lime over the dish before eating.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken thighs dry before searing to develop a golden crust and better browning.
Don't skip the sear step — it builds flavor depth and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Finish with fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the creamy sauce and preserve acidity.
Simmer gently once the sauce comes together; vigorous boiling can break the cream and toughen the chicken.

Substitutions

Cherry tomatoes → grape tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes (cooking time may vary slightly)
Chicken stock → vegetable stock or white wine mixed with water (maintains sauce depth)
Shallot → yellow onion, finely diced (use same quantity)
Red chili → jalapeño or serrano for similar heat, or omit entirely for mild version

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay moister during simmering. If using breasts, reduce cooking time by 5–8 minutes and check for doneness earlier to avoid drying them out.