Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy

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

A vibrant Cajun-spiced chicken dish inspired by the soulful rhythms of jazz, served with a rich smoky tomato gravy that sings with flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and evenly coat them with 2 tbsp cajun seasoning and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on each side until a dark crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 finely diced yellow onion. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 1 tsp hot sauce. Let the gravy simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the tomato gravy over each piece, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat and marry the flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

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 Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy 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.

What goes well with Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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