Elevate dinner time with this flavorful and mouthwatering Caramelized Cajun Chicken recipe, a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for spice lovers! Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for a smoky, savory kick. Pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a luscious caramelized glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, this dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner party entrée. Serve it alongside fluffy rice or tender steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to create a caramelized glaze.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the caramelized glaze over the top. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, flipping once to coat both sides in the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Calories |
1756 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.3 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 638 mg | 213% | |
| Sodium | 6996 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.9 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.0 g | ||
| Protein | 215.0 g | 430% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 116 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 165 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.