Cajun Chicken

This Cajun Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy skillet meal combines tender chicken breasts with a rich cream sauce that’s packed with Cajun spices. Whether you serve it over rice or with crusty bread, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and the unforgettable taste it delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Cajun Chicken can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Cream Sauce: The creamy sauce with a spicy kick enhances the chicken’s flavor, making every bite delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side salad for a meal that fits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: With its savory taste and mild spice level, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this dish throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing Cajun Chicken dish, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and helps in creating the sauce effectively.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your Cajun Chicken.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when combining liquids like broth and cream.
• Spatula: Great for flipping the chicken and stirring the sauce without damaging your skillet.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cups heavy cream (can sub half and half)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (I use light)
• ½ teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, oregano
• 1 pinch EACH: cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 tablespoons flour

Cooking Essentials

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour

Additional Ingredients

• 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved)
• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded. See notes.)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• Lime Wedges
• Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)

How to Make Cajun Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 ½ teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
2. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
3. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add flour to create a roux; whisk continuously for about one minute.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and remaining Cajun seasoning.
5. Let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

1. Add diced tomatoes along with their juice to the sauce; stir well to combine.
2. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over it.
3. Sprinkle cheddar jack cheese on top; cover for a few minutes until cheese melts.

Step 5: Serve

1. Drizzle lime juice over everything before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cajun Chicken!

How to Serve Cajun Chicken

Cajun Chicken is a flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Rice

• Serve the Cajun Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious cream sauce.

Accompanied by Lime Wedges

• Fresh lime wedges add a zesty flavor that complements the spices in the Cajun Chicken, elevating each bite.

Topped with Fresh Cilantro

• Garnish your dish with roughly chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.

On a Salad

• Slice the Cajun Chicken and serve it on a mixed greens salad, drizzled with olive oil and lime juice for a light, refreshing option.

How to Perfect Cajun Chicken

Perfecting your Cajun Chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for an unforgettable dish.

• Use Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for tender results.
• Don’t Rush Browning: Sear the chicken until golden brown for added flavor before adding the cream sauce.
• Adjust Spiciness: Modify the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
• Reserve Tomato Juice: Use the juice from the Rotel tomatoes in your sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy before slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Cajun Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Cajun Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its bold flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: A crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful contrast with its slight crunch and sweetness.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, refreshing your palate between bites.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can lighten up this rich meal while adding texture.
7. Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus gives a gourmet touch while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
8. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add an unexpected twist that pairs well with spicy dishes like Cajun Chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cajun Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using bland chicken: Always season your chicken breasts well with Cajun seasoning before cooking. This ensures maximum flavor throughout the dish.
• Skipping the sauce: The cream sauce is essential for bringing all the flavors together. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes Cajun Chicken special.
• Overcooking the chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, monitor the cooking time closely and avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and high-quality broth for the best results. Freshness greatly enhances flavor.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone’s heat tolerance varies. Taste the sauce and adjust spices accordingly to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cajun Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cajun Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze Cajun Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Cajun Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cajun Chicken:

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken?

You can pair Cajun Chicken with rice, pasta, or a side salad. These options complement its spicy flavors well.

Can I make Cajun Chicken spicier?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your taste preferences for an extra kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cajun Chicken?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian option.

How do I store leftovers of Cajun Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken recipe is not just easy but also packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to customize according to your taste—consider adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cajun Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cajun Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings the heart of Louisiana to your dining table. This easy skillet meal combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spiced sauce that bursts with flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich sauce. With its savory taste and mild spice level, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a family-favorite. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious meal throughout the week.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cups heavy cream (can sub half and half)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (I use light)
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved)
• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and lightly dredge in flour.
2. Sauté in olive oil and butter until golden brown; remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then create a roux with flour and gradually add chicken broth.
4. Stir in cream, honey, hot sauce, spices, and simmer until thickened.
5. Add diced tomatoes and return chicken to the skillet; top with cheese until melted.
6. Drizzle lime juice before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 130mg