Cajun Chicken With Sweet Peppers Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smoky, spicy aroma of Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers sizzling in a hot skillet. The combination of juicy, well-seasoned chicken and tender bell peppers coated in a bold Cajun spice mix creates a dish that’s both vibrant and deeply satisfying.

I first made this dish on a whim when I needed something quick, flavorful, and filling after a long day. One bite, and I was hooked! Now, it's a go-to in my dinner rotation, loved for its rich taste and effortless preparation.

Why You'll Love This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s equal parts bold, comforting, and easy to make.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and simple. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

This recipe is also packed with flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky heat that balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of bell peppers, making every bite irresistible.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients like chicken breast, bell peppers, and a few pantry spices, you get a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

And the best part? It’s versatile. Serve it over rice, pasta, or tucked into a warm tortilla for a satisfying meal that fits your cravings.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table.

Chicken breast is the star of this dish. It’s lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly. If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs are a great substitute, adding even more juiciness.

Cajun seasoning gives this dish its signature bold and smoky flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning, but if you have time, making your own blend lets you control the heat level.

Sweet bell peppers bring a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning. I love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for both flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

Garlic and onions add depth and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Sautéing them in the pan’s leftover chicken juices creates a flavor-packed base.

A splash of chicken broth helps deglaze the pan and brings everything together with a light, savory sauce. If you want a creamier sauce, a little heavy cream or coconut milk can be added at the end.

How To Make This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time.

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes before flipping. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. As they cook, they’ll soak up the leftover spices from the pan, adding even more flavor.

Next, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing everything together so the chicken is coated in the flavorful juices. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes before removing from heat.

Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with warm tortillas for a satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully!

To store, place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

If microwaving, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is easily customizable to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

Looking for a low-carb option? Skip the rice and serve the chicken and peppers over cauliflower rice or tucked into lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly twist.

For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a rich, silky sauce.

Want more protein? Toss in some shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a surf-and-turf spin on this dish.

Experimenting is part of the fun—mix and match ingredients to create your perfect version of this flavorful meal!

Print