Oven Fried Cajun Chicken Breasts

Sink your teeth into the bold flavors of Oven Fried Cajun Chicken Breasts—a healthier, no-fuss twist on classic fried chicken that's packed with southern-inspired spices. These tender, juicy chicken breasts are marinated in tangy buttermilk, infused with Cajun seasoning, and coated in a perfectly spiced blend of panko breadcrumbs and flour for an irresistibly crispy, golden crust. Baked to perfection in the oven with minimal oil, this dish delivers all the crunch without the guilt. Ready in under an hour, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that's sure to impress your family or guests. Serve this oven-fried masterpiece alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete, finger-licking meal. Perfect for those seeking flavorful, easy baked chicken recipes with a Cajun kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they’re an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.

Step 3

In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Step 4

In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5

Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off, and coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the chicken.

Step 6

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.

Step 7

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray to achieve a crispy, golden crust while baking.

Step 8

Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1141.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1994.5

Total Fat 36.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 618.4mg	0%
Sodium 7446.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 16.0g
Protein 244.3g	0%

Vitamin D 133.8IU	0%
Calcium 415.7mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 2355.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.1%

Protein: 50.7%

Carbs: 32.2%