Braised Cajun Chicken and Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bell peppers (yellow and red), diced
• 1 pound potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme, plus more for topping
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, plus more for topping
• 1 cup chicken broth

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup Creole seasoning
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Instructions:

1. Season chicken: Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Prepare vegetables: Chop onion, garlic, bell peppers, and potatoes.
3. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillet over high heat. Cook chicken skin-side down for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, moving chicken occasionally. Turn and cook for 5 minutes more. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine ingredients: Stir in potatoes, thyme, parsley, chicken broth, Creole seasoning (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring to a boil.
7. Return chicken: Return chicken skin-side-up to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Top with thyme sprigs.
8. Bake: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until chicken is tender and everything is cooked through.
9. Finish and serve: Season to taste. Add black-eyed peas (if using) and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• For a richer sauce: Use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
• For additional vegetables: Add mushrooms, green beans, or corn.
• For a spicier kick: Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Cajun Chicken Skillet!