Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Tomato Gravy

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a rich tomato gravy infused with bold Cajun spices for a comforting Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is golden and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the Cajun-spiced tomato gravy over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced 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 skinless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Tomato Gravy?

Southern 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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