Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines the bold taste of Cajun-spiced chicken with the sweetness of bell peppers. This easy and colorful meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, delivering a satisfying mix of protein and veggies with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this spice blend.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and return them to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss together and cook for 2-3 more minutes to blend flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
• Adjust vegetable cooking time for preferred softness or crunch.
• Swap bell peppers for zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will be juicier and equally delicious in this recipe.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to boost the heat.

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a bold homemade Cajun spice mix, sautéed to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, delivering a smoky, spicy kick balanced by the sweetness of bell peppers. Packed with protein and nutrient-rich veggies, it serves as a wholesome, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, quinoa, or salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with this spice blend to ensure a bold, flavorful crust.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips. Return the chicken strips to the skillet with the peppers and onions, tossing everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish. Serve hot, either on its own or paired with your choice of rice, quinoa, or salad.

Notes

• Adjust heat level by adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Vegetable cooking time can be modified to your preferred level of tenderness or crunch.
• Leftover Cajun chicken with bell peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be incorporated easily into meal prep routines.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Cajun chicken, bell peppers, one-pan meal, spicy chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, sautéed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken, quick Cajun recipe