Name: 3-Ingredient Oven-Baked Cajun Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon salt-free Cajun seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)

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Short description

This 3-ingredient oven-baked Cajun chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. With just butter, Cajun seasoning, and chicken, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only three ingredients needed.
Oven-baked for hands-off cooking.
Perfectly juicy chicken with a golden crust.
Versatile—pairs with rice, vegetables, or salads.
Great for meal prep and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon salt-free Cajun seasoning blend
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and position rack in the middle.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt until combined.
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place in a 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
Brush chicken all over with the spiced butter mixture.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until chicken is golden-brown and reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Start checking at 20 minutes for doneness.
Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Cooking time: 25–35 minutes.
Total time: 30–40 minutes.

Variations

Swap Cajun seasoning for taco seasoning or Italian herbs.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Top with fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added kosher salt slightly.

2. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer—165°F is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

3. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

Yes, just increase cooking time to 35–45 minutes depending on thickness.

4. Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, brush with the seasoning mixture and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

5. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

It can be mildly spicy depending on the blend. Choose a mild version or reduce the amount if sensitive to heat.

6. What can I serve with Cajun chicken?

Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad all pair well.

7. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Yes, reduce baking time to about 15–20 minutes.

8. Can I air fry this recipe?

Yes, cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking—start checking at 20 minutes and remove once it hits 165°F.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger dish or two separate dishes to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

This 3-ingredient oven-baked Cajun chicken is a simple, flavorful, and reliable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s an easy way to enjoy juicy, seasoned chicken that pairs with just about any side dish.