Variety is really the spice of life. So, if you’re looking for a way to amp up your chicken game, you’re going to want to try my Cajun Chicken recipe. It’s baked to perfection - leaving you with the most flavourful, juicy and tender chicken breasts.
Best of all, the chicken is coated in a glorious cajun rub, which gives it a certain je ne sais quoi! It’s smokey, salty, spicy, savoury, bright and herbaceous and definitely packs a powerful punch. You’ll love it so much that you’ll be adding it to other dishes! So, be sure to make a double batch!
This easy and quick dish comes together in just 35 minutes and uses a single baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with rice, bean salad, my Homemade "Dill Pickle" Coleslaw, mashed sweet potatoes and grilled corn on the cob. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6 - 8
Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts
3.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (approx. 6 - 8 large chicken breasts)
2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
A handful of parsley leaves, as garnish
Cajun Rub
2 Tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (See Notes below)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425F and grease a 11” x 17” rimmed baking sheet with 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. While the oven preheats, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
Lay the chicken over top and brush the top and sides with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil.
Making the Cajun Rub: To a small bowl, add all the dried spices and herbs and give it a good mix.
Season the chicken breasts liberally with the spice rub, ensuring that each side is evenly coated.
Baking the Chicken Breasts: Bake the chicken breasts for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Chicken breasts come in a variety of sizes - so when you are checking for doneness, be sure to check the thickest part of the chicken.
Sprinkle the cooked chicken breasts with fresh thyme and parsley and serve and enjoy!
Notes:
Preparing the Chicken Breasts: You want to give the chicken breasts ample time to come to room temperature prior to baking. This will allow for even cooking and produce the juiciest chicken breasts.
Resting the Chicken: As soon as the chicken breasts comes out of the oven, you’ll want to dig right in. But, don’t! Slicing the chicken breasts too early will cause the juices to run. You want to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after baking. This will allow the juices to be absorbed by the chicken and distributed throughout, producing tender and juicy chicken breasts.
Spice Level Check: If you prefer spicier chicken, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or top the chicken with your favourite hot sauce!