This bold and vibrant Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers recipe is an absolute flavor explosion! It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together juicy, spiced chicken and colorful, sweet peppers for a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you still crave something homemade and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: With minimal chopping and just one skillet needed, this is a dream come true for busy days.
Packed with Flavor: Thanks to a robust Cajun seasoning and the natural sweetness of bell peppers, every bite is bursting with personality.
Versatile and Forgiving: Whether you like it spicy or mild, this dish can easily be adjusted to fit your flavor preferences.
Nutritious: It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and filled with vitamin-rich vegetables — a meal you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into strips or cubes for faster, even cooking.
Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the dish, bringing smoky, spicy, and savory notes. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green for color, sweetness, and a slight crunch that perfectly balances the spice.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible, aromatic punch.
Onion: Sliced thin to caramelize slightly and add natural sweetness to the dish.
Olive Oil: For sautéing everything to tender, golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper: To enhance and balance all the vibrant flavors.
Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens up the entire dish and ties all the flavors together.

Variations

Want to make this Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers even more your own? Try these ideas:

Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a luscious, creamy sauce.

Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for even more texture and nutrition.

Different Protein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a fun twist.

Milder Option: Use a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild store-bought version to keep things kid-friendly.

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Slice the chicken into strips and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Slice the peppers and onions thinly for quick cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for a few minutes to get a nice sear. Then flip and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the onions and peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still a little crisp — you want that lovely texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan, toss everything together, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while everything is sizzling and full of life.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken room to sear instead of steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Fresh Cajun Seasoning: If yours has been sitting in the back of the pantry for a year, it’s time to replace it for maximum flavor.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest a minute or two before slicing or serving — it keeps it juicy.
Adjust Heat Levels: Cajun seasoning can vary widely in heat. Taste and tweak it to make it perfect for you.

How to Serve

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers shines all on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:

Over Rice:

Pile it high over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all those juices.

In a Wrap:

Tuck the chicken and peppers into a warm tortilla with a dollop of sour cream for a spicy wrap.

Alongside a Salad:

A crisp green salad or a tangy slaw makes a fantastic, refreshing side.

With Pasta:

Toss it with some cooked penne and a touch more olive oil for a quick, satisfying pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen and get better!

Freezing

Freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and a bit more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer.

Is Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers spicy?
It can be! Traditional Cajun seasoning does bring some heat, but you can easily control it by adjusting how much seasoning you add or opting for a milder blend.

What’s the best way to slice the peppers?
Cut them into thin strips so they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer a chunkier bite, go a bit wider — just add a minute or two to the cook time.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free as long as you don’t add any creamy variations. Stick to olive oil and lemon juice, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers is a meal you’ll turn to again and again. It’s fast, vibrant, and utterly satisfying — everything a weeknight dinner should be. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste and have fun experimenting. Grab your skillet and dive into this flavor-packed dish tonight!

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers Recipe