CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN
Cajun Spiced Chicken is a flavourful and aromatic dish that brings the bold, spicy flavours of Cajun seasoning to your table. The chicken breast is marinated in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, creating a deliciously spiced exterior that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This quick and easy recipe makes it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the intense flavours to shine through, offering a satisfying and healthy meal. Serve it with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Cajun/Creole
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
Marinate, Pan-Fry
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Weeknight Dinner, BBQ, Family Gathering, Picnic, Tailgating
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, High Protein
DISH TYPE
Chicken Dish, Entrée
INGREDIENTS FOR CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN
- 1 chicken breast (150g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fibre: 0g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Vitamin A: 8% of Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 6% of Daily Value (DV)
PREPARATION FOR CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt to create a flavourful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the breast in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, and ensure you thoroughly coat it. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or 2 hours for a deeper flavour.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a slight drizzle of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F); ensure the chicken is fully cooked with a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
PREP TIME
10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours of marinating time)
COOKING TIME
12-14 minutes
TIPS FOR CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- For a smoky flavour, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Preheat the pan to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
VARIATIONS
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a zesty kick.
- Substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
- Mix in some garlic powder or onion powder with the seasoning for added depth of flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Freezer: Marinate the chicken, then freeze it raw in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.