Cajun Lemon Butter Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus

Indulge in this flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a zingy Cajun lemon butter sauce, served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of roasted asparagus. This recipe brings vibrant flavors and textures together, perfect for a delightful dinner experience.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders:
🐔 3 pounds chicken tenders
🧄 1 tablespoon garlic powder
🧅 1 tablespoon onion powder
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
🌶️ 1 tablespoon paprika
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🫒 1/3 cup olive oil (for searing)

Cajun Lemon Sauce:
🍯 1 stick unsalted butter
🧄 5 cloves garlic, minced
🌶️ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
🍋 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
🍋 Zest of one lemon
🍋 Juice of one large lemon
🌿 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Mashed Potatoes:
🥔 5 large russet potatoes
🥄 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
💦 6-7 cups water
🍯 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
🧀 1 packet Boursin shallot and chives cream cheese
🥛 1 cup heavy cream (warmed)
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

Asparagus:
🌿 2.25 lb asparagus (trimmed and washed)
🫒 3 tablespoons olive oil
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
🍋 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
🧄 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1- Prepare Chicken Tenders:

• Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
• Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm for about 1 minute. Add chicken tenders in batches, cooking each side for 4 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan and set aside.

2- Make Cajun Lemon Sauce:

• In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir well.
• Return chicken tenders and juices to the pan. Flip them in the sauce and simmer over low heat for 4-5 minutes. Set aside.

3- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:

• Peel, wash, and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in a large pot with water and chicken bouillon until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
• Mash potatoes with butter, Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and salt until smooth and creamy.

4- Roast Asparagus:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

5- Assemble and Serve:

• Place creamy mashed potatoes on a plate, add chicken tenders on top, and roasted asparagus on the side. Drizzle with Cajun lemon butter sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approx. 620
Nutritional Information per Serving: Proteins: 44g, Fats: 38g, Carbohydrates: 34g
Equipment:

• Large pan
• Large pot
• Baking tray
• Potato masher

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure chicken is cooked in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, allowing for even cooking and a proper sear.
• Adjust seasoning to taste preference.

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Cajun Lemon Butter Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus