If you’re looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in a flash, this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe is your new go-to. With juicy, seasoned chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a smoky Cajun kick, it’s the perfect one-pan wonder for busy weeknights. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just real, delicious food on your plate fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Flavorful: This dish comes together in around 30 minutes—yes, really! Perfect for those nights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Bold Cajun Flavors: Smoky, spicy, and a little sweet—Cajun seasoning brings serious personality to the dish.
Colorful and Nutritious: Bell peppers not only make this dish gorgeous, they also add crunch, sweetness, and loads of vitamins.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or just eat it straight from the skillet. It’s a meal that adapts to your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. Chicken thighs also work great for juicier results.
Bell peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds sweetness and color. Slice them thin so they cook evenly and fast.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness. Red or yellow onions both work well here.
Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish. Use store-bought or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and thyme.
Garlic: Adds aromatic punch and plays so well with the Cajun spices.
Olive oil: For sautéing. Helps brown the chicken and soften the veggies.
Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste, especially if your Cajun blend is salty.
Lemon juice (optional): A little squeeze at the end brightens all the smoky flavors.

Variations

Creamy Cajun Chicken: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer, saucier version.
Add veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach all work wonderfully here if you want more greens.
Low-carb twist: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Spice it up: Add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like it fiery.

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Slice your chicken into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. Do the same with your bell peppers and onion. Keep everything uniform for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit for a few minutes while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the pan, stir everything together, and cook for another 2-3 minutes so all the flavors meld. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top if you like, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the pan: To get that golden sear on the chicken, give it room. Overcrowding causes it to steam instead of brown.
Use fresh garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor—don’t skip it.
Taste your Cajun seasoning: Some blends are saltier or spicier than others. Adjust other seasonings accordingly.
Prep ahead: Slice your peppers, onions, and chicken in the morning or the night before to make dinnertime a breeze.

How to Serve

This dish is incredibly versatile, which is one of its many perks:

Over Rice:

Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all those delicious juices.

In a Wrap:

Spoon the chicken and peppers into warm tortillas for a smoky, spicy wrap.

With Pasta:

Toss it into cooked penne or linguine for a hearty Cajun-style pasta.

On a Salad:

Let it cool slightly and top a big leafy salad with the chicken and veggies. Add a creamy ranch or chipotle dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but the bell peppers may soften further after thawing. Freeze in portions for easy reheating later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. They won’t be as crisp, but they’ll still taste great.

Is Cajun chicken very spicy?
It depends on the seasoning you use. Some Cajun blends are spicier than others. If you’re sensitive to heat, look for a mild blend or make your own and control the spice level.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Sliced turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu all work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
Absolutely! The base recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free. Just check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it doesn’t contain any hidden allergens.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, colorful, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you pile it over rice, stuff it in a wrap, or enjoy it as-is, it’s a meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite go-to!

Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe