Description
This Cajun Chicken dish features tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and tomatoes. Served over rice or pasta, its a comforting meal that brings a taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or pasta (for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and heat the chicken through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve over cooked rice or pasta, spooning extra sauce on top. Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- Customize vegetables based on preference; zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat alternative for a lighter version.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes