Showing posts with label quick & easy; stove-top or air fryer; picnic food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quick & easy; stove-top or air fryer; picnic food. Show all posts

Thursday, 1 June 2023

EASY CAJUN CHICKEN, with a help from supermarket friends; easy; frugal; stovetop; air-fryer

Frugal supermarket offers are an opportunity to transform something ordinary into something special...
This feisty, mouthwatering Cajun Chicken looks as if it's been barbequed 
but is an easy stovetop recipe that works in an air-fryer, too
'...Great way to perk up chicken' :Taster
'

Take M&S's Higher Welfare Chicken Legs. They are one of the least popular of the value chicken pieces.  Chicken wings, even though they are slightly more expensive, are the most popular cuts.  Thighs are next...though they are nearly a pound more than legs.  Drumsticks are probably bottom of the list, alongside whole legs.

But when whole legs go on offer -- 600gm/21.2 oz -- for just £1.50 (usually 3 whole legs) it's time to create an interesting blend of flavours that'll knock diners sideways.  In a good way.  

67goingon50 has been testing M&S's Cajun seasoning, a blend of sweet & smoked paprika, mustard, garlic, onions, red peppers, parsley, cayenne, oregano, thyme & fennel.  A 65gm/2.2oz jar is about £2...a bargain compared to the cost of separate ingredients.

So far, the mix has proved a sad substitute for the real thing.  OK, the Cajun seasoning definitely promises layers of flavour but are ultimately disappointing and - dare one say it - slightly dull and boring.   

67 supposes it's aimed at those a bit shy of heat and just want to tantalise the tastebuds a little.

But if you want more than that, a few judicious additions make the seasoning pop like a cork out of champagne -- energetic and satisfying.  If necessary, the heat can easily be softened by stirring in a bit of yoghurt.   

The version shown is cooked on a stovetop but the legs can also be baked or grilled or air-fried.  

Cost: £2
Feeds: 2-3

Ingredients: 
2-3 chicken legs, skin on

juice of half an orange
squeeze of lemon juice
1 tablespoon + 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/8 tsp cayenne powder or 1/16 tsp chilli flakes

cooking oil

Garnish: coarsely chopped parsley (not shown)

Method: