Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish

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

A lively Cajun blackened chicken breast served with a tangy, fresh Creole-style tomato relish to echo the vibrant energy of jazz. This southern american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cajun seasoning, olive oil, medium, diced ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and evenly rub 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning all over both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until blackened with a dark crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 2 medium diced ripe tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp honey, then pour over the tomato mixture. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each breast topped with generous spoonfuls of the fresh Creole tomato relish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish?

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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish?

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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Creole Tomato Relish 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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