There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers to spice up your dinner routine. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts seared to perfection, combined with tender, caramelized bell peppers in a rich, smoky sauce—it’s a dish that brings a taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen.
I first fell in love with this recipe while visiting New Orleans, where Cajun spices transform even the simplest ingredients into something unforgettable. Now, it’s a go-to in my home, especially when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Why You'll Love This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers
Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation. This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers checks all the boxes: bold, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
First, the flavor is out of this world. The smoky heat of Cajun seasoning pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of spice and freshness.
This dish is also fast and fuss-free. With just one pan and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under half an hour.
It’s versatile, too! Serve it over rice, pasta, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a Cajun-inspired fajita night.
Finally, it’s a budget-friendly meal. Using simple, affordable ingredients, you can feed your family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers lies in the blend of simple yet bold ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Let’s start with the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
The Cajun seasoning is the star of the show. You can use a store-bought blend, but if you love bold flavors, try making your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Bell peppers bring a natural sweetness that balances the spice. I love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a beautiful, colorful presentation.
A touch of garlic and onion enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and aroma to the dish.
Finally, chicken broth and a splash of cream create a rich, slightly creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
How To Make This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers
Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every inch is coated in those bold spices. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and toss in your sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the peppers soften and develop a slight char, about 5 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute before adding a splash of heavy cream for a silky finish.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the peppers. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve hot over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them properly to enjoy later.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
Want it extra spicy? Add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
For a low-carb version, serve the chicken and peppers over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
Swap the protein for shrimp or tofu for a different but equally delicious twist.
Prefer a lighter sauce? Skip the heavy cream and use a splash of coconut milk instead for a dairy-free option.
Experiment with different veggies—mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes would work beautifully.
No matter how you make it, this Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintCajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe
This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers recipe is a deliciously bold and flavorful dish. Juicy chicken is seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection alongside sweet bell peppers for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, bursting with vibrant flavors and a hint of spice. Serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, toss everything together, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or in tortillas for a tasty wrap.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
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