Cajun-Spiced Chicken Breasts

Cajun spices originated in the American state of Louisiana. It is in this southern state that this blend of flavorful seasonings is especially popular, giving chicken a distinctive taste and aroma. Despite the number of different spicy ingredients in the blend, it is not overly hot, but rather pleasantly aromatic and full of flavor. Of course, you can buy Cajun seasoning, but if you have a basic selection of spices at home, it is very easy to make your own blend and keep it on hand for future use 

The quantities listed below will make enough Cajun seasoning for several batches. I store the spice blend in a glass jar and use it as needed. The seasoning can be used not only in chicken recipes. This flavorful blend pairs wonderfully with both meat and fish. You can also add it to soups to give familiar dishes a whole new flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cajun Spice Blend
(this amount will make enough seasoning for several portions)

• 2 tsp salt

• 4 tsp brown sugar

• 3 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 2 tsp oregano

• 2 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 3 tsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil + 1 tbsp butter for frying

Steps

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise

2. Mix all the dry spices together

3. Mix 3 tsp of the Cajun spice blend with 3 tsp of vegetable oil

4. Coat the chicken with the spice and oil mixture and let it marinate for 15 minutes

5. Heat a skillet, add the vegetable oil and butter, then cook the chicken breasts on both sides until done, about 3–5 minutes per side

6. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside. Add the hot broth to the skillet

7. Stirring occasionally, let the broth simmer with the spices remaining in the skillet over low heat for 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens

8. Pour the hot sauce over the chicken breasts before serving