Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines tender, spicy chicken breasts with sweet, sautéed bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it showcases a delicious blend of smoky Cajun spices balanced by the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Halal
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with this spice mixture to ensure a well-seasoned, flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a golden-brown sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, sautéing over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips. Return the chicken strips to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve this vibrant Cajun Chicken and bell peppers dish hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning or check the label for low-sodium options if watching salt intake.
- Bell peppers can be substituted or mixed with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, bell peppers, spicy chicken recipe, sautéed vegetables, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, healthy chicken