Description
Cajun Chicken Recipe with bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken, and spicy peppers. Quick, comforting, and perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds/900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Spice Mix In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, white pepper, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly integrated. This homemade blend is the heart of your Cajun Chicken and offers much more flavor than pre-packaged options. Take a moment to smell the aromatic mixture – this is the signature scent that will fill your kitchen!
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. If the breasts are particularly thick or uneven, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about ¾-inch. This ensures they’ll cook evenly. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure all sides are lightly coated to help the spices adhere.
- Step 3: Season the Chicken Generously sprinkle the Cajun spice mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – make sure every inch of chicken is covered with spices for authentic Cajun Chicken flavor. Allow the seasoned chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, which helps the meat cook more evenly and allows the spices to start infusing.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the hot pan, presentation side down, ensuring not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the spices start to darken too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Rest and Serve Transfer your perfectly cooked Cajun Chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain if serving as a main dish, or leave whole for an impressive presentation. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish that complements the spicy Cajun seasoning.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280 calories per serving
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 38 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg