Cajun Chicken and Peppers Skillet

Name: Cajun Chicken and Peppers Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: February 8, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Peppers has been my go-to recipe for those nights when I crave bold flavors but have absolutely no time to spare. I still remember the first time I tasted true Cajun spices during a road trip through Louisiana – that vibrant, smoky heat was simply unforgettable! This recipe brings all that incredible zest right into your kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a quick, flavorful weeknight wonder. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with so many sides, making it a guaranteed family favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken and Peppers Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Cajun Chicken and Peppers recipe, I promise! It’s not just another dinner; it’s a culinary adventure that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Here are just a few reasons why it’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning brings a fantastic kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your spice preference and pairs well with so many sides.

The Allure of Cajun Chicken and Peppers

What truly sets Cajun Chicken and Peppers apart is its ability to deliver such a satisfying and robust meal with minimal fuss. The vibrant bell peppers add a lovely sweetness that beautifully balances the spicy, earthy notes of the Cajun seasoning, making every bite a delightful experience.

Essential Equipment for Cajun Chicken and Peppers

To make this delicious Cajun Chicken and Peppers dish, you don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick! A good, sturdy skillet or wok is absolutely key for getting that perfect sear on your chicken and tender-crisp vegetables. You’ll also want a large mixing bowl for seasoning your chicken evenly, and a reliable set of measuring spoons to get your spices just right. A sharp knife and cutting board are, of course, indispensable for preparing your chicken and all those colorful bell peppers and onions.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Cajun Chicken and Peppers

Creating truly delicious Cajun Chicken and Peppers starts with having the right ingredients on hand. I’ve broken down exactly what you’ll need, with specific details to help you get the best results every time. Quality really does make a difference here, especially with your fresh produce and that all-important seasoning!

Cajun Chicken and Peppers - detail 1

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil (a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor)
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced (a yellow or white onion works great)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference; I like a medium heat blend)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best!)
1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium is a good choice to control saltiness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely fresh finish)

Key Components of Cajun Chicken and Peppers

The star of this Cajun Chicken and Peppers dish is, of course, the chicken, providing a lean protein base that soaks up all those incredible flavors. The trio of bell peppers – red, green, and yellow – isn’t just for vibrant color; they each offer a slightly different sweetness and texture when tender-crisp. And that Cajun seasoning? It’s the heart and soul, delivering the iconic spicy, earthy, and aromatic kick that makes this dish so irresistible.

How to Prepare Cajun Chicken and Peppers

Making Cajun Chicken and Peppers is truly straightforward, and I’m going to walk you through each step so you can achieve perfect results every time. The key is to prepare your ingredients ahead of time and then cook in stages to ensure everything is perfectly done without being overcooked. Don’t worry, it’s much simpler than it sounds!

First, we’ll get that chicken beautifully seasoned. In a large bowl, combine your 1-inch chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together really well, making sure every piece of chicken is coated. This ensures that delicious flavor penetrates throughout the meat.

Next, heat your remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken, but not so hot that it burns. Once shimmering, add your seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, so the chicken can sear instead of steam. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Now it’s time for those vibrant veggies! Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet. You’ll likely still have some delicious bits from the chicken stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s flavor! Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy, so keep an eye on them. They should still have a little bite to them.

Finally, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together for a minute or two. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for just a minute or two. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely touch!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cajun Chicken and Peppers

Let’s break down the cooking process for your Cajun Chicken and Peppers into easy-to-follow steps. First, season your chicken thoroughly in a bowl with olive oil and spices. Next, heat your skillet to medium-high and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and beautifully browned; then set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté your bell peppers and onion until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes another 5-7 minutes. Once the veggies are done, add the remaining Cajun seasoning and chicken broth, bringing it all to a simmer. Finally, return the chicken to the pan, toss to combine, and heat everything up before serving.

Tips for Success with Cajun Chicken and Peppers

Crafting the perfect Cajun Chicken and Peppers dish is all about a few key details. First, when it comes to seasoning, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Cajun seasoning blends vary widely in heat and saltiness, so start with the recommended amount and add more gradually until it suits your palate. For chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a proper sear, which locks in moisture and flavor. Overcrowding cools the pan and steams the chicken instead of browning it. Also, don’t overcook your bell peppers – they should be tender-crisp, not soft and mushy, to retain their vibrant color and texture. A little bite makes all the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken and Peppers

Once your Cajun Chicken and Peppers is hot and ready, you’ll want to pair it with something that complements its bold flavors. My absolute favorite is a simple bed of fluffy white rice; it soaks up all that delicious sauce beautifully. For a healthier twist, quinoa or even cauliflower rice works wonderfully. If you’re looking for something green, a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. And for those who love a little extra comfort, a warm slice of cornbread is simply divine with this dish!

Cajun Chicken and Peppers - detail 2

Storing and Reheating Your Cajun Chicken and Peppers

If you happen to have any leftover Cajun Chicken and Peppers (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), proper storage is key to enjoying it later. Simply transfer your cooled leftovers to an airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems a little dry, until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the tender texture of both the chicken and the peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Chicken and Peppers

I get a lot of questions about this Cajun Chicken and Peppers recipe, and I’m happy to share some answers to help you make it perfectly every time!

Q: Can I use different proteins for this easy dinner?
A: Absolutely! While Cajun Chicken and Peppers is fantastic, you could easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even firm tofu for the chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.

Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand?
A: No problem! You can make your own with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne to control the spice level for your homemade Cajun seasoning.

Q: How can I make this Cajun chicken dish spicier or milder?
A: To make your Cajun chicken spicier, simply add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasoning. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a brand known for less heat.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to my skillet chicken?
A: Definitely! This skillet chicken recipe is very forgiving. Sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn would be delicious additions. Just add them at the same time as the bell peppers and onions so they cook evenly.

Cajun Chicken and Peppers Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional values provided for this Cajun Chicken and Peppers recipe are estimates only. They can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, exact measurements, and preparation methods. Precise nutritional data is not provided and should not be relied upon for dietary planning without professional consultation.