Spicy Cajun Chicken with Sweet Bell Peppers (Print Version)

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Bell Peppers: Crave bold, vibrant flavors? This easy skillet recipe makes a delicious dinner youll want again.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Cajun
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (check seasoning)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2-3 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), seeded and sliced

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
07 - 1 cup chicken broth
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

→ Optional Extras

10 - Pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
11 - Cooked rice or pasta, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready for our flavorful Cajun Chicken. I like to pat my chicken breasts or thighs really dry with paper towels; this helps them get a beautiful sear later. Then, slice them into bite-sized pieces, roughly an inch or so. Toss them with about half of your Cajun seasoning. Give it a good mix, making sure every piece is coated. I always get a little messy here, spices flying everywhere, but that's part of the fun, right?
02 - Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add your seasoned chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon, or it won't brown properly! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and looks amazing. It won't be cooked through, and that's totally fine! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This is where I almost always forget to scrape up the delicious browned bits, but don't you dare!
03 - Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet, reducing the heat slightly to medium. Toss in your diced onion and bell peppers. Oh, the smell that starts to fill your kitchen! Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and get a little tender-crisp. Then, add your minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir it all together and cook for just another minute until that garlic is fragrant. Don't let it burn!
04 - Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those bits are flavor gold, you don't want to leave them behind! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken ever so slightly. This is where I usually taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if it needs a little more zing. Don't be shy!
05 - Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it in among the vegetables and sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. The smell at this point is just incredible, honestly – pure comfort.
06 - Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is perfect, remove the skillet from the heat. I love to stir in some fresh chopped parsley right at the end for a pop of freshness and color. Give it a final taste test – does it need a pinch more salt? A dash more spice? Serve your flavorful Cajun Chicken with Sweet Bell Peppers immediately over rice, pasta, or with a slice of crusty bread. Pure yum!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing for a better crust, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Leftovers taste even better the next day, stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
03 - Swap chicken with shrimp or pork tenderloin for a different protein, adjusting cooking times.
04 - Serve this flavorful Cajun Chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up all that amazing sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 40g

Back