Description
There’s something magical about the combination of bold Cajun spices and a touch of sweetness. It creates the perfect balance of heat and flavor, making every bite irresistibly delicious. This Sweet Cajun Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner.
With its roots in Louisiana cuisine, Cajun seasoning is known for its smoky, spicy depth, often featuring paprika, garlic, and a mix of herbs. When paired with a hint of sweetness, the flavors shine even more, giving the dish a beautiful caramelization and a slight kick of heat without being overwhelming.
This recipe is simple to make, packed with flavor, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides—whether you love it over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or in a fresh salad. Plus, it’s a great meal-prep option since the flavors deepen even more as it sits. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat each piece thoroughly.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, without stirring too much, so it develops a nice golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until fully cooked through and lightly charred. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well-coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or even over a fresh salad for lunch the next day.
- For an extra layer of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the finished dish before serving.