Name: Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 medium onion (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s big on bold flavors and absolutely pops with vibrant color, Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is about to become your new go-to. Tender strips of seasoned chicken get perfectly seared and tossed with a trio of sweet, crisp bell peppers, all drenched in a zesty pan sauce that teases your taste buds with every bite. This quick, stovetop recipe takes you straight to the heart of Cajun cooking, but with a fresh, colorful twist that makes any dinner feel special—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together.

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, spotlighting just a handful of ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every element works together to deliver savory, spicy, and downright satisfying flavors, while the fresh peppers create an irresistible crunch and color.

Chicken breasts: Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean, protein-rich base that soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: This signature blend packs plenty of heat and spice—feel free to adjust to suit your own taste buds!
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything brown up with a gorgeous, flavorful sear.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant, this pepper brings color and a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
Yellow bell pepper: Milder and slightly fruitier, it adds another layer of flavor and makes the skillet sing with color.
Green bell pepper: A bit earthier and sharper, it balances the sweet peppers and echoes classic Cajun stir-frys.
Onion: Sliced onion delivers a mild, savory undertone and caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
Garlic: Just three cloves add that unmistakable depth and aroma you know and love.
Chicken broth: Helps create a light, savory sauce while deglazing all those delicious browned bits.
Lemon juice: A splash of citrus for bright, fresh balance that lifts the whole dish.
Salt and pepper: Just enough to enhance and round out the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that adds a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness.

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into thin strips—this helps them cook quickly and soak up all that beautiful seasoning. Toss the strips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is coated with those fragrant spices. This step sets the stage for a flavorful, juicy base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips, spreading them out so they brown nicely. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep those delicious juices in the pan!

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

Pour the remaining olive oil into the same skillet. Toss in your red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion, and sauté for 4–5 minutes. You want the peppers just softened but still holding some crispness and that irresistible color. The kitchen smells incredible at this point!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant. Take care not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; this is where so much of the savory depth comes from.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Stir well so everything’s coated in the zippy pan sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2–3 minutes, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you want to take it over the top, add a little fresh parsley at the end before serving.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way to brighten both the look and flavor of your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers. If you love a bit of extra zest, grate a hint of fresh lemon peel on top, or for a touch more heat, dust with additional Cajun seasoning.

Side Dishes

This dish is brilliantly versatile. Pile it high over fluffy steamed rice, toss it with pasta for a hearty bowl, or spoon it into warm tortillas for a spicy Cajun wrap. A simple green salad or lightly buttered corn are also fabulous partners to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a star at the dinner table, but you can get playful with the presentation, too. Try serving it straight from the skillet family-style, or fill lettuce cups for a lighter twist. It also makes a stellar meal-prep option in individual containers to keep lunch exciting all week long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your quick lunch or busy-night supper the next day might be even tastier!

Freezing

If you’d like to make extra for future meals, this dish freezes quite well. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For maximum freshness, you can portion out individual servings for easy grab-and-heat meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep things juicy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but the stovetop keeps the peppers at their best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well for this recipe and bring a bit more richness. Just slice them thin so they cook evenly with the peppers.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Definitely. You can either use less Cajun seasoning or choose a milder brand. If you still want all the flavor without the heat, try adding a touch of smoked paprika for depth without the kick.

What’s a good substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, mix up a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. It’s easy and tastes just as fabulous in your Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or thick strips of mushrooms, season well, and follow the same steps. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based spin.

How do I meal prep Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?

This dish is fabulous for meal prep! Portion it into airtight containers with rice, quinoa, or another favorite grain, then store in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners all week.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s as fun and lively as it is flavorful and easy, Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is just what you need. Every bite is a celebration of color, spice, and comfort all in one skillet. Give it a try, and prepare for happy, satisfied faces around the dinner table!

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender strips of chicken are seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked with a mix of vibrant bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all in a savory broth. Serve this Cajun-inspired dish over rice or with warm tortillas for a delicious meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

For the Bell Peppers:

1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cajun Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Bell Peppers: Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Stir in bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.