Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cchicken broth
- ¾ cheavy cream
can sub half and half
- 1 tbsphoney
- 2 tsphot sauce
- 2 tspcajun seasoning
- 1 tspbrown sugar
i use light
- ½ tspeach: mustard powder
oregano
- 1 pincheach: cayenne pepper
red pepper flakes
- 2 largeboneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tspcajun seasoning
- 3 tbspflour
- 1 tbspolive oil
or avocado oil
- 3 tbspbutter
- 3 clovesgarlic
minced
- 3 tbspflour
- 10 oz.rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
juice reserved
- ¾ ccheddar jack cheese
shredded. see notes.
- 2 tsplime juice
- lime wedges
- fresh cilantro
roughly chopped
Directions
Prep work
- 1
Drain and reserve the juice from the diced tomatoes, we’ll use the liquid to deglaze that skillet after searing the chicken. (You should have about ¼ cup.)
- 2
Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside.
Make the chicken
- 1
Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick.
- 2
Season each side with Cajun seasoning. Sprinkle with flour and rub it over the surface of each side. (The flour gives it a little texture and prevents it from sticking to the skillet. It also thickens the sauce a little more at the end.)
- 3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.
Make the sauce
- 1
Add the reserved juice from the tomatoes and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce.
- 2
Add the butter and the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 3
Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is cooked off.
- 4
Add the sauce mixture (from step 2), in small splashes, stirring continuously.
- 5
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble. Add the drained tomatoes and let it simmer and reduce for 5-7 minutes. During this time the flavors will meld, and the sauce will thicken and concentrate.
- 6
Reduce heat to low. Slowly sprinkle in the cheese, stirring continuously, until melted and combined. Slowly stir in the lime juice.
- 7
Add the chicken back and spoon the sauce on top. Let it simmer and reduce for 4 minutes, uncovered. Add the fresh lime wedges to the skillet and simmer for 1 more minute. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with rice, beans, or salad! (See notes for rice cooking tips.)
Cajun Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 88 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun country right in your own kitchen? This skillet Cajun Chicken recipe brings that restaurant-quality experience to your table with surprising ease, perfect for any weeknight.
The magic truly happens in the rich cream sauce, which gets its unforgettable kick from a blend of hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and a whisper of cayenne, balanced beautifully with honey and brown sugar. Using a single skillet streamlines the process, ensuring tender chicken breasts are bathed in a deeply flavorful, cheesy sauce that begs to be served over rice.
You can expect a dish bursting with vibrant, spicy, and savory notes, tempered by a creamy, luscious sauce. The chicken breasts will be wonderfully tender, coated in a thick, rich sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. While the flavors are complex, the process itself is designed to be straightforward, delivering a satisfying meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. It's a hearty main course that truly showcases robust Cajun flavors.
While this recipe is fantastic as written, it's also adaptable. You can substitute half and half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce. Adjust the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference—add more for an extra kick or less for a milder flavor. For a slightly different cheese profile, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses in place of cheddar jack.
This Cajun Chicken is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it generously over your favorite rice to soak up every last bit of that incredible cream sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness.