Description
Cajun Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the spice of Cajun seasoning with the richness of a creamy mustard sauce. This recipe delivers a perfectly seared chicken breast, seasoned with a smoky, spicy Cajun rub, and paired with a velvety sauce made from Dijon mustard, garlic, and cream. The balance between heat and creaminess creates a restaurant-quality dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, to balance the heat)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Mustard Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and let it toast for a few seconds to release its aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Let the sauce thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Seasoning Balance: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance. Store-bought Cajun seasonings can vary in heat, so taste and modify accordingly.
- Chicken Thickness: If using thick chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking Temperature: Cooking chicken over medium-high heat ensures a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
- Deglazing the Pan: Scrape up the browned bits in the pan after cooking the chicken—these add depth and richness to the mustard cream sauce. Chicken broth or even a splash of white vinegar can help loosen up those flavorful bits.
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Best Pairings: This dish pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Alternative Mustard Choices: Dijon mustard gives the sauce a sharp tang, while whole grain mustard adds a bit of texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for yellow mustard, but keep in mind it’s slightly sweeter.
- Make it a One-Pan Meal: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the pan after searing the chicken for a complete meal with extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg