Quick and Easy Chicken Piquant
Chicken Piquant is a bold, zesty twist on a classic Cajun favorite—tender chicken simmered in a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce.
Unlike the traditional slow-simmered version, this streamlined recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing big flavor.
Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1 (16 oz) package boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet pickles
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons drained capers
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and Creole seasoning. Dredge the chicken tenders in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown—about 2 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish simmering in the sauce.
- Build the Sauce: To the skillet, add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, sweet pickles, red wine vinegar, capers, and crushed garlic. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the center) and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over hot white rice and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for more kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in bell peppers or celery with the tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: A splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end adds richness and tempers the tang.
This Chicken Piquant delivers a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and savory depth—comfort food with a vibrant punch!