Easy Baked Cajun Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Easy Baked Cajun Chicken recipe—packed with flavor, yet simple enough to prepare in under 40 minutes. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in a bold homemade Cajun seasoning blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for a slight kick. Baked to perfection, this protein-rich dish offers the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors. Ideal for busy nights, it requires minimal prep and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dish. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness. Whether you're craving a taste of Louisiana or looking for a healthy, satisfying meal, this oven-baked Cajun chicken checks all the boxes. A must-try for spice lovers and meal prep enthusiasts alike!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Step 3
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
Step 4
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub it in on both sides to ensure even coating.
Step 5
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it into the meat to adhere.
Step 6
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them to ensure even cooking.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 8
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 9
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus kick. Pair with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 803.6 grams (803.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1460 |
| Total Fat 54.30g | 70% |
| Saturated Fat 11.50g | 57% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
| Cholesterol 592mg | 197% |
| Sodium 2886mg | 125% |
| Total Carbohydrate 15.10g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.80g | 21% |
| Total Sugars 3.70g | |
| Protein 218.10g | 436% |
| Vitamin D 7IU | 35% |
| Calcium 156mg | 12% |
| Iron 9mg | 49% |
| Potassium 2150mg | 46% |
Source of Calories