Name: Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper sliced; 1 green bell pepper sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning ((store-bought or homemade)); 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste)); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 lemon juice ((from ½ lemon)); to taste fresh parsley, chopped ((for garnish))

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Why make this recipe

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a flavorful and colorful dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table. The spicy Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the vibrant bell peppers and tender chicken, creating a delightful meal that is both easy to make and satisfying. This recipe is great for weeknight dinners or even for entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal, which means less cleanup for you!

How to make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prep the chicken: Slice your chicken into even strips for quick cooking. Toss it in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate while you prep the veggies—it only takes 10 minutes to soak in the flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (do this in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still vibrant.
Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Squeeze over the lemon juice and stir well to combine everything. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in warm tortillas.

How to serve Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

This dish is versatile and can be served in various ways. You can serve it over rice for a hearty meal or in warm tortillas for a delicious wrap. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.

How to store Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

To store leftovers, let the dish cool down completely and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a longer time if you have the opportunity.
Use a mix of colored peppers to make the dish more visually appealing and add different flavors.

Variation

You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit your dietary preferences. The cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly. You can also add other vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for more variety.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work great in this recipe as well.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own Cajun seasoning using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Is it spicy?
The level of spice depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning according to your preference.