Craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but short on time? This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Breast is your answer! We’re talking tender, juicy chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a zesty, homemade Cajun spice blend that will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. The best part? The Instant Pot does most of the work, making this a perfect, fuss-free meal for any busy weeknight. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu!
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp / 45ml olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• ¼ cup / 50g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups / 200g cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups / 480ml chicken broth
• For the Cajun Spice Blend
• 2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, freshly ground
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
1. Directions
2. First, create your signature Cajun spice blend. In a small bowl or jar, combine the salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme. Mix or shake until everything is well combined.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Generously season the chicken on all sides with about half of the Cajun spice mixture, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
4. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Once it reads ‘Hot’, add the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
5. Stir in the crushed garlic, sliced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cauliflower florets. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the seasoned chicken slices and the remaining Cajun spice blend. Stir to combine.
7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Press the ‘Cancel’ button, then select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully moving the steam release valve to ‘Venting’. Stand back to avoid the hot steam.
9. Once the pin drops, carefully open the lid. Give everything a final stir and serve your delicious Cajun Chicken Breast immediately over rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 315
• Total Fats: 14.8g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Protein: 37g
• Fiber: 2.2g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, sear the seasoned chicken slices for 1-2 minutes per side after sautéing the onions. Remove the chicken, proceed with the recipe, and add it back in at step 5.
• Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. Use 1 teaspoon for a mild flavor or increase it if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
• To create a richer, creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk after the pressure cooking is complete. Set the pot to ‘Sauté’ and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this Cajun chicken spicier or milder
A: Yes, the spice level is easy to customize. For a milder flavor, use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or less. For an extra spicy kick, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne to your preference.
Q: How do I get a creamier sauce
A: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk after the pressure cooking is finished. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts
A: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and will turn out very tender and juicy. You can keep the pressure cooking time the same at 10 minutes.
Q: What should I serve with Instant Pot Cajun Chicken
A: This dish is delicious served over a bed of rice or quinoa. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice.
