Description
This Cajun stuffed chicken is a bold and savory Southern-inspired dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful stuffing of andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and melted pepper jack cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
-
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stuffing
-
1/2 pound andouille sausage, diced
-
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
-
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
-
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
-
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
-
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
-
1/2 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
-
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Garnish
-
Chopped parsley
-
Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
-
Butterfly each chicken breast: slice horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
-
Rub Cajun seasoning inside and outside each chicken breast. Set aside.
-
In a skillet over medium heat, add butter or oil. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes, until soft.
-
Add diced andouille sausage to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned.
-
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and breadcrumbs or rice if using. Let the mixture cool slightly.
-
Stuff each chicken breast with the sausage mixture. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
-
Heat olive oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed breast on both sides until golden (2–3 minutes per side).
-
Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Flavor Adjustments: Increase or reduce cayenne in the Cajun mix to control heat. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the stuffing for a citrusy touch.
Serving Suggestion: Best served with cornbread, dirty rice, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cajun stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast, spicy chicken recipe, Southern chicken dish, andouille sausage recipe, chicken dinner, baked stuffed chicken, Louisiana chicken, cheesy chicken recipe