Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Polenta

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

A comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in bold Cajun spices, served over smooth, creamy polenta. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 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 Southern American cuisine 450 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 each with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are nicely browned. Remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil with 1 tsp salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup yellow cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Stir 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the polenta. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and adjust salt to taste. Serve the Cajun-spiced chicken atop the creamy polenta immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Polenta 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-Spiced Chicken with Creamy 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy 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 Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy 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.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Polenta?

Southern 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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