Cajun Chicken Breast

This easy Cajun chicken breast recipe is a delicious combination of savory and spicy flavors. The chicken is seared to perfection with a spicy golden-brown crust packed with flavors. Fresh and light, and one of the easy chicken recipes that turns into the whole family's favorite weeknight dinner.

Why we all love this Cajun chicken breast recipe?

Easy recipe: Great for busy people who don't have much time to spare but want to make exceptional food for the family.

Meal prep friendly: Prepare this Cajun chicken breast in advance and quickly whip up a delicious lunch or dinner(like this spicy garlic lime chicken or this Szechuan chicken).

New Orleans inspired: Get the rich taste of New Orleans right in your kitchen, giving your meal a touch of fabulous flavors(have you tried any of these: Cajun butter sauce, Cajun scrambled eggs, Cajun aioli, or Cajun deviled eggs?).

Air fryer option: For those who are looking for a low-fat cooking option, Good news for you! This recipe is suitable for making in an air fryer, too.

How to make Cajun chicken breast

The Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can make this Cajun chicken breast recipe with thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. 

Cajun seasoning: I’ve used homemade Cajun seasoning(do you know how simple to make? Gather basic ingredients like garlic and onion powder, and mix it up!!). Of course, using store-bought seasoning would be great, too. 

Olive oil: Our family prefers olive oil for its robust and pronounced flavors. Canola oil or avocado oil are also good to use, but the flavor profile would change a little.

Garlic powder: Sprinkle and combine thoroughly to distribute all the ingredients evenly, guaranteeing the goodness of spices in every bite. If you're not using garlic powder, feel free to use freshly minced garlic.

Paprika: Adds a rich, golden brown color and gives a mild, earthy flavor. If you prefer the Cajun chicken breast with a spicy, smoked flavor, substitute with smoked paprika. 

Cayenne pepper: To increase or decrease the heat level, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper.

Salt and pepper: Some store-bought Cajun seasonings may contain added salt. Therefore it's important to taste the Cajun seasoning and adjust the salt accordingly.

The Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small mixing bowl, blend the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Rub the spice mixture onto the boneless chicken breasts, making sure to coat both sides evenly(to let them fully infuse into the meat).

Heat the skillet: Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Sear the chicken: Once the oil is hot(but not smoking, as high heat alters the properties of olive oil), gently place chicken breasts in the skillet. Then, proceed to sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a delightful golden-brown crust.

Bake the chicken: Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the Cajun chicken breasts reaches 165°F(use a meat thermometer). 

Serve and enjoy: Slice the chicken and serve, it's ready for you to enjoy!

What to serve with a Cajun chicken breast?

Pasta: Enjoy this spiced chicken with creamy pasta dishes like avocado pasta or spinach pasta to balance the spicy flavors of the Cajun chicken breasts. Or if you are thinking of serving a spicy meal, try these pasta varieties like jalapeño spaghetti or spicy penne pasta.

Salads: Same as the above, this Cajun chicken breast is good to serve with either mild, simple salads like this Greek yogurt cucumber salad. Or with a bold and flavorful salad like this fiesta salad or spicy kale salad. Mild or hot; deciding the side dishes depends on the mood and personal choices. Feel free to experiment and choose accordingly.

Coleslaw. Cooling coleslaw loaded with creaminess is the ultimate choice in our family. I prefer serving them with simple coleslaw. And also bold coleslaw like Cajun coleslaw or jalapeño coleslaw.

Potatoes: There is a wide choice of potato dishes to choose from.

How to store the leftovers?

Prepare: Slice the Cajun chicken breasts into bite-size pieces(convenient for creating entirely new dishes, such as tossing them into the salad or pasta). Then, bring it down to room temperature.

In the refrigerator: Choose an airtight container to store in the fridge. It is good to use for up to 3 to 4 days.

In the freezer: If you will not consume within the days mentioned above, then freezing is the best option. Seal this Cajun chicken breast in a freezer-safe, air-tight container. It stays good to use up to 2 to 3 months.

Thawing: Remove the chicken from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight or until it melts completely. On the other hand, you can quickly soften it in the microwave in the defrost setting.

Reheat: You may reheat the Cajun chicken breast in two methods. In the first method, you may reheat using the stovetop method. Over medium heat, place a skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Now place the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until it is warmed thoroughly. Flip occasionally for even heating.

In the second method (reheat in the oven), preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the leftover Cajun chicken breast in a baking tray and cook them for about 15 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Variations

Add spices: Add creole seasoning or Cuban seasoning with the Cajun spice blend to provide unique flavors to the Cajun chicken breasts.

Spicy Cajun chicken stirfry: Follow the same recipe, but slice the chicken into thin strips and pan-fry it with onion and bell peppers.

Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes and insert them into the skewers along with bell peppers and pineapple cubes. And enjoy this multi-cuisine dish that tastes fantastic.

Wraps: Make a restaurant-worthy wrap by rolling black beans and veggies with this Cajun chicken breast. Slather your favorite spicy sauce and have fun exploring the journey.

Shrimp: Use the same recipe and swap the lean chicken breast with shrimp.

Tools necessary for making this recipe

Meat thermometer: Needed to achieve the perfectly moist Cajun chicken breast without over or under-cooking.

Chef’s knives: To slice the spiced chicken perfectly without crumbling them.

Measuring tools: This one has a good grip that makes it easier to use in the kitchen.

Cooking tips and tricks

• For perfectly cooked chicken, the secret is to utilize a meat thermometer and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It is a must to avoid undercooked or rubbery chicken.
• For the extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the Cajun seasoning mixture and Set it aside for a minimum of 30 minutes or even overnight to let the flavors develop and infuse into the meat.
• To make a creamy Cajun chicken, blend a tablespoon of heavy cream or cream cheese into the chicken broth. Stir this luscious Cajun sauce into the chicken(when it is still sizzling hot). 
• Feel free to try with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
• Serve the Cajun chicken breast with a salad and veggies like green beans and broccoli for a complete meal.
• For extra seasoning, squeeze lime juice and sprinkle black pepper.

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