Bring bold Southern flavors to your table with Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers, a vibrant, zesty meal bursting with spicy warmth and colorful bell peppers. This Spicy Weeknight Dinner is a quick, one-pan delight that transforms simple ingredients into a feast for the senses. Perfect for busy evenings or festive dinners, this easy recipe from Food and Tips promises a flavorful chicken dish that will leave everyone craving more!
Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
- Bold and Colorful: Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers blends spicy Cajun seasoning with sweet peppers in this easy recipe.
- Quick Prep: Ready in 35 minutes for a fast zesty meal.
- One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup for this spicy weeknight dinner.
- Versatile: Swap proteins or veggies for a customizable flavorful chicken dish.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need for this zesty meal (serves 4):
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large skillet (cast-iron or non-stick)
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Breasts or thighs for juicy texture in this spicy weeknight dinner.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green for color in this flavorful chicken dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust for desired heat in this easy recipe.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing this zesty meal.
- Broth: Adds moisture to this flavorful chicken dish.
Directions for Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Let’s cook this vibrant zesty meal!
Season Chicken
I mix 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. I coat 1 ½ lbs chicken strips evenly with the blend, ensuring bold flavor for this easy recipe.
Cook Chicken
I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally, then set aside for this flavorful chicken dish.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, I add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 onion for 5–6 minutes. I add 2 minced garlic cloves for 1–2 minutes for this spicy weeknight dinner.
Combine Chicken and Veggies
I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the veggies. I add ½ cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp lemon juice, tossing for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors for this easy recipe.
Garnish and Serve
I garnish with fresh parsley for this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers and serve hot with rice or as is for a vibrant zesty meal.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 35g protein, 12g fat
Variations for Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Try these twists on this spicy weeknight dinner:
- Creamy Sauce: Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a rich flavorful chicken dish.
- Shrimp Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick zesty meal.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu for this easy recipe.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini or mushrooms for variety in this spicy weeknight dinner.
- Tangy Kick: Include diced tomatoes for a juicy flavorful chicken dish.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ fluffy rice for a hearty zesty meal.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ green salad for a fresh spicy weeknight dinner.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ lemonade for a refreshing easy recipe.
Storage
I store this zesty meal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months, reheating gently for this easy recipe.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic spicy weeknight dinner.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley for this flavorful chicken dish’s appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ sweet tea for a Southern zesty meal.
- Portion Size: 1–2 cups per person for a satisfying serving.
- Occasions: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
FAQs About Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Here are answers to common questions about this spicy weeknight dinner:
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, cook and store in the fridge for up to 4 days, reheating for this easy recipe.
What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and pepper for this flavorful chicken dish.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw fully before cooking for even seasoning in this zesty meal.
What sides pair well?
Rice, quinoa, or a green salad complement this spicy weeknight dinner.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Use less Cajun seasoning or add sour cream to balance heat in this easy recipe.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers brings a burst of Southern spice and vibrant colors to your plate, perfect for busy evenings or festive gatherings. This easy recipe delivers a zesty meal that’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. Enjoy the harmony of tender chicken and sweet peppers in every delicious bite!
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 –3 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup 120 ml chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season Chicken
- I mix 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. I coat 1 ½ lbs chicken strips evenly with the blend, ensuring bold flavor for this easy recipe.
Cook Chicken
- I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally, then set aside for this flavorful chicken dish.
Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, I add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 onion for 5–6 minutes. I add 2 minced garlic cloves for 1–2 minutes for this spicy weeknight dinner.
Combine Chicken and Veggies
- I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the veggies. I add ½ cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp lemon juice, tossing for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors for this easy recipe.
Garnish and Serve
- I garnish with fresh parsley for this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers and serve hot with rice or as is for a vibrant zesty meal.
Notes
- The Cajun seasoning can be customized by adding more spices according to your preference.
- Feel free to use any color of bell peppers for added visual appeal.
- This dish goes well with rice or a side salad.
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