Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts baked with bold Cajun spices served over velvety Parmesan-infused polenta for a comforting Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub 4 chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil, coating well. Place on a baking sheet and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  2. Step 2: While chicken bakes, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in 1 cup cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Remove polenta from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and rich. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Step 4: Serve the baked Cajun-spiced chicken breasts atop the creamy Parmesan polenta, spooning any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Polenta gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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