Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken brings Louisiana’s soulful spirit to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty seasoning and quick preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust if Cajun seasoning is salty)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the poultry by gently patting the chicken breasts with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating an ideal surface for seasoning and searing.
- Create a robust spice blend by thoroughly combining Cajun seasoning, granulated garlic, paprika, and kosher salt in a small mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of aromatics.
- Massage the chicken breasts with a light coating of extra virgin olive oil, which will help the spice mixture adhere and promote a golden, crispy exterior during cooking.
- Liberally sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over both surfaces of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure maximum flavor penetration and even coverage.
- Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, adding a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate beautiful caramelization.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust develops.
- Flip the chicken and continue cooking the opposite side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, ensuring complete and juicy doneness.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board, allowing it to rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with bright lemon wedges to enhance the Cajun-style flavor profile, providing a zesty complement to the spiced chicken.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by increasing or decreasing spice blend to suit personal heat tolerance or dietary preferences.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender chicken texture.
- Consider alternative cooking methods like grilling or baking for variety, keeping core seasoning technique consistent across different techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg