Jazz-Infused Cajun Blackened Chicken with Smoky Tomato Gravy

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

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.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

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.