Description
Cajun Chicken Recipe with spicy seasoning, juicy chicken, and a zesty kick – a flavorful and quick crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds/900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this essential step ensures your seasoning adheres properly and promotes better browning. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about ½-inch. This modification not only reduces cooking time but guarantees the chicken cooks evenly throughout without drying out the thinner portions.
- Step 2: Create the Cajun Seasoning Blend In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all spices. This homemade Cajun chicken seasoning delivers significantly better flavor than pre-packaged alternatives, allowing you to customize the heat level precisely to your preference while avoiding additives or excessive sodium.
- Step 3: Season the Chicken Drizzle the chicken breasts with one tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix liberally on both sides, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—a generous coating creates that distinctive Cajun character. For deeper flavor, you can season the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate, which allows the spices to permeate the meat more thoroughly.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. When the butter stops foaming, add your seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving it—this patience develops that signature crust. Flip once and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The butter helps create a beautiful caramelization of the spices while adding richness to your Cajun Chicken.
- Step 5: Rest and Serve Transfer the cooked Cajun Chicken to a cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to maintain maximum juiciness. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle any pan juices over the chicken before serving—these concentrated drippings carry intense flavor that shouldn’t go to waste.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg