This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a quick, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that brings the bold spices of Cajun cuisine right into my kitchen. With juicy chicken breast strips, colorful bell peppers, and a smoky, slightly spicy seasoning blend, it’s a perfect one-pan meal that I can whip up on busy weeknights. It’s healthy, satisfying, and brings the heat in the best way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, using just a handful of ingredients. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a punch of bold flavor, while the sweet bell peppers balance it out with freshness and crunch. It’s a naturally low-carb, high-protein dish that can be served in so many ways—over rice, in tortillas, or even with pasta. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavor.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts, cut into strips
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Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
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Cajun seasoning
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Olive oil
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, sliced
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
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I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Then I season the chicken strips generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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I add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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I remove the chicken and set it aside, then add a bit more oil to the skillet if needed.
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I toss in the onions, garlic, and sliced bell peppers, sautéing them until they’re tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes.
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I return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together so the flavors blend nicely.
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I finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the mix. For extra heat, I throw in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. If I’m in the mood for a creamy dish, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. And when I need a heartier meal, I serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta. It’s also great stuffed into wraps or used as a taco filling.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I just warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if it needs moisture. The microwave works too, especially if I’m in a hurry. I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the bell peppers can get soggy.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun Chicken?
That depends on the Cajun seasoning I use. Most blends are mildly spicy, but I can always adjust the heat by using more or less seasoning or adding extra spices like cayenne.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. I sometimes use boneless, skinless thighs when I want juicier, more flavorful chicken.
What can I serve with Cajun Chicken?
I usually serve it with rice, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes. It also tastes great in wraps or with a simple side salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes prep the chicken and veggies in advance and store them separately. When I’m ready to cook, everything comes together quickly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Cajun seasoning I use doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients, the dish is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is one of those go-to meals I keep coming back to. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints. The combo of juicy chicken and crisp peppers with that smoky Cajun kick is always a hit in my kitchen.
Print
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a bold, vibrant one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breast strips and colorful bell peppers, all coated in smoky Cajun spices. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet if needed.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for about 5 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier version.
- Increase spice with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or in wraps for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg