Amazing Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

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Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

Cajun chicken bell peppers have become my go-to when I need a flavorful, fuss-free meal on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of the spices filling my kitchen was incredible, and the vibrant colors of the peppers made it look like a gourmet dish, even though it’s an easy Cajun chicken and pepper skillet. It’s truly a quick Cajun chicken and bell pepper meal that satisfies everyone. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

  • Incredible flavor explosion with that signature spicy Cajun kick.
  • Perfectly spicy Cajun chicken with bell peppers that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.
  • Super quick prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • A healthy option packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables.
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
  • Family-friendly appeal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
  • Enjoy the vibrant taste of spicy Cajun chicken with bell peppers that’s both delicious and nutritious.
  • It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

Gather these simple ingredients for a fantastic meal. This recipe features tender chicken and colorful Cajun chicken and mixed bell peppers. The Cajun seasoning is the star, infusing everything with that signature smoky, spicy flavor. Olive oil helps everything brown beautifully, while the bell peppers and onion add sweetness and texture. Don’t forget the minced garlic for that essential aromatic depth!

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing and sautéing
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for getting those delicious browned edges.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. This is where the flavor magic begins!
  3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot before adding the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook until it’s nicely browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This searing locks in the juices.
  5. Step 5: Now, add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to start softening and picking up some of those tasty chicken drippings. This step is crucial for developing the flavors of your Cajun seasoned chicken and bell pepper stir fry.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  7. Step 7: Carefully transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. This is where the Cajun seasoned chicken and bell pepper stir fry really comes together.
  8. Step 8: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a moment before serving your delicious Cajun chicken bell peppers hot.

Amazing Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers - Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

Want to elevate your Cajun chicken bell peppers game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make all the difference:

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear, which adds so much flavor.
  • Use a good quality Cajun seasoning blend for the best results. Some blends are spicier than others, so taste yours first!
  • For extra moisture and flavor in your Cajun seasoned chicken and bell pepper stir fry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or white wine when you add the garlic.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after searing before adding the vegetables. This helps keep the chicken tender.

What’s the secret to perfect Cajun chicken bell peppers?

The secret to perfect Cajun chicken bell peppers lies in achieving that beautiful sear on the chicken and not overcooking the vegetables. It’s about balancing the spice and sweetness for the best Cajun chicken and bell pepper recipe. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section.

Can I make Cajun chicken bell peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and season the chicken and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes it a truly quick Cajun chicken and bell pepper meal when you’re ready to cook.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cajun chicken bell peppers?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, make sure to cook the garlic briefly to avoid a bitter taste. If you want more sauce, consider adding a bit of broth or using a good Cajun chicken and bell pepper stir fry sauce. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

This vibrant dish is incredibly versatile! For a classic weeknight dinner, serve your Cajun chicken bell peppers over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up all those delicious Cajun juices beautifully. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, transform it into a hearty Cajun chicken and bell pepper bowl by layering it over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Another fantastic option is to serve it alongside some warm tortillas for impromptu Cajun chicken and bell pepper fajitas! You might also like our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

Amazing Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers - Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the Cajun seasoning blend. For more healthy options, consider our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

Leftovers of this delicious Cajun chicken bell peppers dish store beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the skillet has cooled completely, transfer the Cajun chicken and bell pepper leftovers into an airtight container. These leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple! For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent drying, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same methods. Both will help you enjoy this fantastic meal again! For another great chicken dish, try our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

What is Cajun chicken and bell peppers?

Cajun chicken and bell peppers is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring chicken seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, combined with colorful bell peppers and onions. It’s known for its savory, slightly spicy profile and is a popular dish in American cuisine. You can learn more about the history of Cajun cuisine here.

How do I adjust the spice level for my Cajun chicken and peppers recipe?

The spice level primarily comes from your Cajun seasoning blend. If you prefer it milder, use less seasoning or choose a blend labeled “mild.” For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your mixture. This flexibility is what makes any Cajun chicken and peppers recipe so adaptable.

Can I use different vegetables in this Cajun chicken and bell pepper dish?

Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are classic, this recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli florets, snap peas, or even corn. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the peppers for even cooking. It’s a great way to customize your Cajun chicken and bell peppers. For a different vegetable-forward dish, consider our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still moist?

The key is not to overcook the chicken. Searing it first helps lock in juices, and the oven time is just enough to finish cooking it through. Using chicken thighs, which have more fat than breast meat, also contributes to a more moist result in this type of dish.

Variations of Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers You Can Try

This versatile dish is wonderful as is, but I love experimenting with different twists! For a hearty pasta dish, toss the finished chicken and peppers with your favorite cooked pasta and a creamy sauce, creating a delicious Cajun chicken and bell pepper pasta. If you’re craving Mexican flavors, transform it into Cajun chicken and bell pepper fajitas by serving the mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like sour cream and salsa. For a lighter, healthier option, consider serving it over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a vibrant Cajun chicken and bell pepper bowl. You could even try a vegetarian version by substituting firm tofu or chickpeas for the chicken!

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Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers

Amazing Cajun Chicken Bell Peppers


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  • Author: Manar Jota
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring Cajun-spiced chicken and colorful bell peppers, perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  8. Serve your Cajun chicken bell peppers hot.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
  • Serve with rice or your favorite side dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pan Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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