Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Sizzling, spicy, and bursting with vibrant colors, Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers transforms ordinary chicken into a weeknight sensation. This Louisiana-inspired dish combines tender chicken strips with crisp bell peppers and a bold, smoky seasoning that creates an irresistible aroma throughout your kitchen. The perfect balance of heat and flavor makes this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers a family favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll learn how to perfectly season your chicken, create that signature Cajun flavor, and bring restaurant-quality results to your dinner table tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, it delivers that authentic Louisiana flavor without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and the satisfying crunch of colorful bell peppers creates a delightful textural contrast in every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for busy weeknights. The robust Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken with a warming heat that’s flavorful without overwhelming your palate. You’ll appreciate how the sweet peppers balance the spice, creating a harmonious dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Best of all, this one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The ingredients work together to create a natural sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or pasta, making this a complete meal solution that’s as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

The multicolored bell peppers aren’t just for visual appeal—each brings a slightly different flavor profile, from the sweetness of red peppers to the slightly bitter notes of green peppers. The Cajun seasoning is the star ingredient, delivering that authentic Louisiana heat with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs.

Pro Tips

Perfect Cajun Seasoning Balance: The secret to authentic Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers lies in the seasoning. If using store-bought blends, check the salt content first—some are heavily salted, which can overpower your dish. For a homemade version, combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, ½ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This gives you control over the heat level while ensuring all those essential Cajun flavors come through.

The Right Cooking Temperature: For the perfect sear on your spicy chicken with bell peppers, ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the chicken. Medium-high heat creates that desirable golden crust without burning the spices. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary—overcrowding the pan causes steaming rather than searing, robbing you of both texture and flavor.

Pepper Perfection: Don’t add your bell peppers too early! The key to this Louisiana-style chicken dish is maintaining the peppers’ crisp texture and vibrant color. Add them after the chicken has browned, and cook just until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This contrast between the tender chicken and slightly crunchy peppers is what makes this dish so satisfying.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing your chicken strips in a large bowl and patting them dry with paper towels—this ensures better browning and flavor development. Season the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to rest with the seasoning for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This short marination time makes a noticeable difference in flavor penetration.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the chicken strips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean plate—it will finish cooking later with the peppers.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the colorful bell pepper strips and minced garlic, tossing everything together. Season with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are bright and slightly softened but still maintain some crispness.

Step 4: Combine and Create the Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the pan with the peppers and onions. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by about half and the chicken to cook through completely. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). In the last minute of cooking, add the butter and lemon juice, stirring gently to create a silky, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the dish just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is now ready to be served over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite sides. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have everyone eager to dig in!

Variations

Creamy Cajun Chicken: Transform your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers into a luxurious dish by adding ½ cup heavy cream during the final cooking stage. The cream mellows the spice while creating a rich sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent twist on the classic recipe. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy the Cajun flavors but prefer a milder heat level.

Seafood Substitution: For a classic New Orleans-inspired variation, substitute half the chicken with 8 ounces of large peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, as they require less time than chicken. This Cajun chicken and shrimp combination offers delightful textural variety and a taste of authentic Louisiana cuisine. The seafood addition works beautifully with the bell peppers and spicy Cajun seasoning.

Vegetarian Option: Create a plant-based version by replacing the chicken with 14 ounces of extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes) or two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas (drained and rinsed). The Cajun seasoning works wonderfully with these protein alternatives, and you’ll still get all the amazing flavors of the bell peppers and spices. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian.

Storage and Serving

This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or microwave on 70% power until heated through. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to!

For serving, spoon this colorful dish over fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce—this is the traditional Cajun way. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. You can also serve it alongside crusty French bread for sopping up the sauce or wrapped in warm flour tortillas for a fusion-inspired Cajun fajita experience.

For a complete meal, pair your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some traditional Southern sides like cornbread or collard greens to enhance the Louisiana theme.

FAQs

How spicy is this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe?
The spice level is moderate but customizable. Most store-bought Cajun seasonings provide a pleasant warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the recommended amount of Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste. For heat lovers, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or include extra cayenne in your seasoning.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to two days in advance, refrigerate, and gently reheat when ready to serve. For best texture, consider slightly undercooking the bell peppers initially so they don’t become too soft upon reheating.

What can I substitute for bell peppers if I don’t have all three colors?
You can use any combination of bell peppers you have available. The different colors primarily affect the visual appeal and provide subtle flavor variations, but the dish will still be delicious with just one type. In a pinch, you could also substitute poblano peppers for a slightly different but complementary flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe is naturally low in carbs and suitable for a ketogenic diet. Just verify that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain sugar or starch fillers, and serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a complete keto-friendly meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender, flavorful results. They’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked and bring a richer flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a few minutes longer than breasts.

Conclusion

This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is comfort food at its finest — vibrant, bold, and bursting with Louisiana soul. It’s the perfect balance of spicy seasoning, tender chicken, and sweet, colorful peppers that create a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and visual appeal. Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe delivers authentic flavor without complexity, proving that sometimes the most satisfying meals are also the most straightforward.

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