Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning with the natural sweetness of colorful bell peppers. This quick and easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying combination of protein and vegetables with minimal cleanup. Whether served on its own, over rice, or in wraps, this dish delivers Southern-inspired comfort with every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breast or thighsCajun seasoningolive oilred, yellow, and green bell peppersoniongarlicsalt and pepperfresh parsley (optional for garnish)lemon juice
directions
Cut the chicken into thin strips and toss with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if Cajun seasoning is unavailable.
Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Serve over cooked quinoa, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.To freeze, store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but adjust for salt content as blends vary in sodium.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be moderately spicy; adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled Cajun chicken adds a smoky flavor and works great in this recipe.
What kind of chicken works best?
Both breast and thigh meat work well—use thighs for juicier results.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance for meal prep.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Not necessary, but letting it sit with seasoning for 10-15 minutes adds depth.
What peppers should I use?
A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers offers the best color and flavor balance.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I make it low-carb?
Serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side salad.
Can I use frozen peppers?
Yes, but they may release more moisture—cook a bit longer to evaporate liquid.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers is a deliciously simple way to enjoy bold flavors with minimal effort. Packed with color, spice, and savory goodness, it’s a meal you can rely on for quick weeknight dinners or vibrant meal prep bowls. Give it a try and bring a touch of Cajun flair to your kitchen.
PrintCajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A flavorful and spicy Cajun chicken dish paired with sweet bell peppers, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and toss with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or in tortillas for wraps.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
- Use pre-sliced peppers to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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