Spicy Oven-Baked Cajun Chicken Breasts
This Spicy Oven-Baked Cajun Chicken Breasts recipe elevates your dinner with its savory blend of spices and crunch. A healthier alternative to traditional frying, these flavorful chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of crispy corn flakes and smoky paprika, then baked to perfection. Marinating them in buttermilk ensures tender, juicy meat, while the Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy this dish that balances comfort and health—perfect for family meals or gatherings. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken Breast Halves
4 (Trimmed of excess fat)
Low-fat Buttermilk
3/4 cup (For marinating)
Corn Flake Crumbs
1 1/4 cups (Crushed)
Sweet Hungarian Paprika
1 tablespoon (For coating)
Cajun Seasoning
2 teaspoons (For coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a shallow non-metal dish, place the chicken breasts and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. (If short on time, you can skip marinating; simply dip the chicken in buttermilk before coating.)
3
In a gallon-sized plastic bag, combine the corn flake crumbs, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until well mixed.
4
Remove one chicken breast from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Place it into the coating bag, seal, and shake until evenly coated. Transfer the coated chicken to a baking sheet or a stoneware pan. Repeat this step for the remaining chicken pieces.
5
Lightly mist each piece of chicken with nonstick vegetable spray or olive oil spray for added crunch.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 165°F or 74°C).
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken recipe?
The recipe is called Spicy Oven-Baked Cajun Chicken Breasts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long should the chicken marinate in buttermilk?
The chicken should marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have time to marinate the chicken?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can simply dip the chicken in buttermilk before coating instead of marinating.
What ingredients are used for the crunchy coating?
The coating consists of corn flake crumbs, sweet Hungarian paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthier alternative to traditional frying because it is oven-baked and uses low-fat ingredients.
What type of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breast halves, trimmed of excess fat.
How do I ensure the chicken is extra crunchy?
Lightly misting each piece of coated chicken with nonstick vegetable spray or olive oil spray before baking adds extra crunch.
What is the baking time for the chicken?
The chicken should bake for 20-25 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
What type of paprika is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses Sweet Hungarian Paprika.
How do I coat the chicken evenly?
Place the chicken in a gallon-sized plastic bag with the spice mixture and shake until it is evenly coated.
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
You can use a standard baking sheet or a stoneware pan.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
This dish is hearty and pairs well with any of your favorite side dishes.
What cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Southern cuisine.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of low-fat buttermilk.
How many corn flake crumbs are required?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of crushed corn flake crumbs.
What is the quantity of Cajun seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family dinner and is perfect for gatherings.
What makes the chicken tender and juicy?
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken breasts, buttermilk, corn flake crumbs, paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It has a smoky, savory, and spicy flavor profile with a crispy texture.
How much paprika is used for the coating?
One tablespoon of Sweet Hungarian Paprika is used.
Do I need to cover the chicken while marinating?
Yes, cover the dish while it refrigerates during the marinating process.
Should the buttermilk be drained before coating?
You should allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before placing the chicken in the coating bag.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
While marinating takes time, the actual baking and prep are quick, making it a good option for a quick meal.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.