Cajun Chicken

Looking to spice up your dinner routine? Our Cajun Chicken recipe delivers a delightful punch of flavor with tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Ideal for pairing with rice, beans, or a crisp salad, this dish is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups chicken broth

¾ cups heavy cream (or half and half)

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons hot sauce

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon oregano

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Pinch of red pepper flakes

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

3 tablespoons flour

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce Base:

3 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved

3 tablespoons flour

¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded

2 teaspoons lime juice

For Serving:

Lime wedges

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions:

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Tomatoes:

Drain and reserve the juice from the diced tomatoes.

Mix Sauce:

Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup. Set aside.

Prep Chicken:

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner slices. Pound to about ½ inch thick. Season with Cajun seasoning and lightly coat with flour.

Sear Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Create Sauce Base:

Add the reserved tomato juice to the skillet, scraping the bottom with a spatula to deglaze. Add butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute.

Stir in flour for 2 minutes, then gradually add the prepared sauce mixture, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer and Add Cheese:

Add drained tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar jack cheese until melted. Add lime juice.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add lime wedges and simmer for an additional minute. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serve:

Enjoy your Cajun Chicken with your choice of rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Serving Tips:

Pairings:

Rice: Serve the Cajun Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

Beans: A side of black beans or pinto beans complements the spiciness and adds a hearty touch.

Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.

Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers make for a nutritious addition.

Garnishes:

Lime Wedges: Provide extra lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick.

Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color.

Presentation:

For an elegant touch, serve the Cajun Chicken in a shallow dish or bowl with the creamy sauce spooned generously over the top. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration:

Cool Down: Allow the Cajun Chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.

Store: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

Portion: Divide the dish into individual portions to make reheating easier.

Container: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Freeze: The Cajun Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

Thaw: If frozen, thaw the Cajun Chicken in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Avoid Overcooking:

When reheating, avoid cooking the chicken for too long as it may dry out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream can help maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Related Recipes:

• Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce
• Trim Healthy Mama Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
• Blackened vs Cajun Seasoning: Unraveling The Flavorful Mysteries

FAQs:

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