Name: Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, dried herbs); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Turn up the heat with Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers, a quick-to-prep dish bursting with vibrant colors and bold spicy flavors. This recipe brings together succulent chicken breast seasoned perfectly with a blend of Cajun spices, paired with crisp, colorful bell peppers that add sweetness and texture. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with personality, giving you a flavorful punch with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute cravings.
Colorful and Nutritious: Bell peppers bring vibrant color and vitamins to the plate, making it as healthy as it is tasty.
Bold Flavor Explosion: The Cajun spice blend creates a perfect balance of heat and aromatic spices that elevate simple ingredients.
Versatile Meal: Works wonderfully on its own, over rice, or wrapped in tortillas for a quick Cajun chicken wrap.
Family and Crowd Friendly: A surefire hit everyone will enjoy, with spice levels you can easily adjust.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients is all it takes to make this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers shine. Each component plays a pivotal role: the chicken provides protein and absorbs the spices beautifully, while the bell peppers add crunch and sweet notes that balance the heat perfectly.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these cook quickly and soak up the Cajun seasoning wonderfully.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful and sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, typically a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs for robust flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and softens the bell peppers while adding subtle richness.
Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the peppers.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses savory undertones that marry all the elements beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors and balancing the spice.
Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens the entire dish and adds a zesty finish.

Variations

Feel free to customize your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers to suit any taste or dietary preference. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for experimenting with what you have on hand.

Swap the Chicken: Use shrimp, turkey, or firm tofu as an alternative to change up protein sources.
Make it Keto: Skip any added sugars or carb-heavy sides and serve with cauliflower rice or leafy greens.
Add More Veggies: Include zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to pack in extra nutrients and flavors.
Mild Spice Option: Reduce cayenne or use smoked paprika instead for a gentler heat.
Spicy Boost: Add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to kick the heat up a notch.

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Easy Spicy Dinner

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the bell peppers and onions into thin strips, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken breasts dry for better seasoning adherence.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces evenly with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures every bite bursts with that signature Cajun flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set them aside to rest.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and cook until slightly tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slice the rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet with the peppers. Stir everything together, allowing flavors to meld for a minute or two. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Pro Tips for Making Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground Cajun seasoning adds more vibrant flavor than pre-mixed blends that sit too long.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and searing.
Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest after cooking to maintain juicy tenderness.
Bell Peppers Placement: Add bell peppers last to keep them crisp and colorful—overcooking mushes their texture.
Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by moderating cayenne or doubling the paprika depending on your preference.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the spicy richness beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens each bite perfectly as well.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers pairs wonderfully with warm rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crispy roasted potatoes. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa to keep things balanced yet flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing the cooked mixture into soft tortillas for Cajun chicken wraps or layering it atop crusty French bread to make an open-faced sandwich. You could even scoop it over roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or use a microwave keeping a lid or damp paper towel to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a bit more fat and flavor and remain juicy even when cooked longer, making them a great alternative for this recipe.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can easily make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients and cooking method are naturally gluten-free, just double-check any pre-made Cajun seasoning for hidden gluten additives.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the cayenne pepper amount or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat or reducing spices for a milder flavor.

Can I prep it in advance for meal prep?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and peppers ahead of time and store separately or together; they hold up well and make for quick meal reheating throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s simple, vibrant, and full of personality, give this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers a try. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the excitement of Cajun spices paired with sweet, crisp peppers—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful weeknight meal featuring succulent chicken breasts seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend, combined with crisp, colorful bell peppers and sautéed onions and garlic. This quick and easy recipe delivers a spicy, aromatic punch with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or versatile serving options like wraps and rice bowls.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse them with robust flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then add the bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine and Finish: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet with the bell peppers and onions. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for a minute or two. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

Use freshly ground Cajun spices for a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-mixed blends.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Add bell peppers last to keep them crisp and colorful; overcooking can make them mushy.
Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños for extra heat.

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