Southern Living Cajun Chicken
A bold Cajun chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a hearty, Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with garlic powder and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the chicken until browned.
- Add chopped onions, green peppers, and tomatoes to the skillet.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, basil, oregano, marjoram, and pepper.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 20-30 minutes.
- Serve the Cajun chicken over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the Worcestershire and soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you want a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun chicken over fluffy white rice or with cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For an extra kick, consider serving it with hot sauce or a squeeze of lime. This dish also goes well with dishes like Scallop Soup or Cajun Shrimp Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cajun chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Living Cajun Chicken contains roughly 665 calories, with 26g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (283% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2549mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor and more moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with this Cajun chicken?
This dish is versatile and can be served with various sides like rice, cornbread, or even pasta. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can complement it well, making for a balanced meal.
How can I make this dish milder?
To reduce the heat, you can omit any spicy ingredients like black pepper or use less of the Worcestershire sauce. Also, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top when serving to balance the flavors.
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).