Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 lb. chicken breast
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (McCormick recommended)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (McCormick recommended)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water + 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans or salad
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces or pound them to an even thickness to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken fillets with 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden crust. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots: Reduce heat to medium-low and clean the pan of any overly browned bits to avoid bitterness. Add 1 tablespoon butter and the minced shallots. Sauté gently until the shallots are softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make The Roux: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and deepens in flavor. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour evenly and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux.
- Finish Sauce: Gradually whisk in the 1 cup chicken broth, making sure the mixture is smooth after each addition. Then pour in the 3/4 cup heavy cream and whisk to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, partially submerging it in the sauce to reheat and absorb flavors. Serve the chicken topped with a generous spoonful of the creamy Cajun sauce. This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to pound the chicken to an even thickness instead of uneven cuts.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers; if it becomes too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it.
- Use high-quality Cajun seasoning for best flavor results.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the sauce to keep it moist.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, and add green beans or a crisp salad for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Lactose