Spicy Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe

The Zesty Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a delectable Cajun chicken with sweet peppers dish sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Zesty spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors that wake up taste buds.

Bold seasonings mix with vibrant peppers, promising an adventure on your plate.

Southern-inspired cooking brings warmth and comfort to weeknight meals.

Each bite carries a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes you want to savor every moment.

peppers add brilliant color and crisp texture to complement the spicy chicken.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers Bursting with Bold Flavors

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers Bursting with Bold Flavors
  • Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a bold, flavor-packed dish that delivers a zesty kick everyone will love.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: This one-pan recipe saves you time and cleanup, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal without complicated cooking steps.
  • Veggie-Loaded Nutrition: Sweet peppers and onions add vibrant colors, nutrients, and a delightful crunch, turning a simple chicken dish into a balanced, wholesome meal.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve over rice, with pasta, or in tacos – this adaptable recipe works for casual dinners, meal prep, or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for a Spicy and Colorful Cajun Chicken Dish

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the bold Cajun seasoning and provides the primary substance of the dish.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A flavor-packed blend that gives the chicken a spicy, aromatic profile with a warm, complex taste.
Vegetable Base:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Sweet and colorful vegetables that add freshness, texture, and natural sweetness to complement the spicy chicken.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and adds a light, clean finish to the dish.

How to Cook Tender Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

How to Cook Tender Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your Cajun chicken adventure.

Step 2: Spice and Sear the Chicken

Add sliced chicken pieces and generously coat with a vibrant blend of:
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sear the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and cooks completely through, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Temporarily Remove Cooked Chicken

Transfer the perfectly seasoned chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage.

Step 4: Soften Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet with remaining flavors, introduce sliced:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to blend the flavors and textures.

Step 6: Final Warming Blend

Cook the combined chicken and vegetables for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their delicious profile.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve piping hot, ready to delight taste buds with Cajun flair.

Tips to Get the Perfect Spice and Texture Balance

  • Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor profile that adds complexity to the dish.
  • Use pre-cut chicken strips from the grocery store to save time and ensure uniform cooking throughout the meat.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting a low-sodium Cajun seasoning blend or making your own homemade spice mix to control salt levels.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth while sautĂ©ing vegetables to prevent sticking and create a light, flavorful sauce that enhances the overall taste.
  • Opt for a mix of colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and green to make the dish visually appealing and boost nutritional value with different pepper varieties.

Flavorful Twists to Customize Your Cajun Chicken Dish

  • Low-Carb Zesty Delight: Replace peppers with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version. Use cauliflower rice as a base to keep the meal light and nutritious.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Swap Cajun seasoning with za'atar and sumac. Add feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Keep the Cajun spices and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Skillet: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil. Choose bell peppers with lower carbohydrate content. Add extra butter for increased fat content and richness.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Cajun Chicken Meal

  • Spicy Dinner Plate: Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious Cajun flavors and pepper juices.
  • Loaded Wrap Adventure: Stuff the Cajun chicken and peppers into a warm tortilla with a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy ranch dressing for a zesty handheld meal.
  • Fresh Salad Topper: Slice the chicken and scatter over a crisp mixed green salad, adding extra crunch and a protein-packed punch to your leafy greens.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack the chicken and peppers in meal prep containers for a quick, flavorful lunch that will keep you satisfied throughout the workday.

Best Storage Methods for Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

  • Store leftover Cajun chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Separate chicken and peppers into different sections of the container to maintain best texture.
  • Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use containers with secure lids to prevent flavor loss.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme that adds bold, spicy flavor to dishes.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to lower the heat level while maintaining the signature flavor profile.

  • What type of peppers work best for this recipe?

Bell peppers in red, yellow, or green are ideal, providing sweetness and color that complements the spicy Cajun chicken.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a protein-rich meal with vegetables, low in carbs, and can be part of a balanced diet when using lean chicken breast and controlling oil quantity.

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Spicy Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe

Spicy Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Spicy Cajun chicken with sweet peppers offers a fiery Southern delicacy packed with robust flavors. Colorful bell peppers and zesty seasonings create a simple yet memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface evenly.
  2. Introduce sliced chicken into the hot skillet, generously coating with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for robust flavor.
  3. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes, ensuring each piece develops a crispy exterior.
  4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
  5. Without cleaning the skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions, allowing them to caramelize and soften for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the skillet, gently combining the peppers and onions to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
  7. Allow the ingredients to meld together for an additional 2 minutes, creating a cohesive and aromatic dish.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Modify Cajun seasoning intensity by gradually adding more or less to suit personal heat tolerance, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  • Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or turkey for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe’s vibrant Cajun essence.
  • Choose colorful bell peppers in red, yellow, and green for visual appeal and varied nutritional benefits, creating a more dynamic dish.
  • Prepare extra portions and store in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches, as the flavors intensify when allowed to meld overnight.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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