Pepper Glazed Cajun Chicken
A vibrant Cajun-inspired chicken dish glazed with spicy pepper jelly, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and easy, flavorful weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken breasts.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat; add chicken and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add sliced green onions to the drippings in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in hot pepper jelly, chicken broth, and white vinegar.
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze over the chicken.
- Cover and cook until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and cook the liquid until thickened.
- Spoon the thickened glaze over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the Cajun seasoning and vinegar for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have hot pepper jelly, you can substitute it with a mix of honey and your favorite hot sauce to achieve a similar sweet and spicy flavor. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste for more or less heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pepper Glazed Cajun Chicken alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments, providing a nice balance to the spiciness. This dish pairs beautifully with recipes like Chicken Casserole With Cornbread Dressing Mix for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pepper Glazed Cajun Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, covered, to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Glazed Cajun Chicken contains roughly 122 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts. They will add a different flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use if I can't find hot pepper jelly?
If hot pepper jelly is unavailable, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts of honey and a hot sauce of your choice. This combination will deliver both sweetness and heat similar to the jelly.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, use less Cajun seasoning and opt for a mild pepper jelly. You can also add more chicken broth to the glaze to dilute the heat. This way, you still enjoy the flavors without overwhelming spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).