Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
A quick, spicy meal featuring seared Cajun chicken and sautéed bell peppers and onions, ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 2 pieces bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
For Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped Optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mix.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice golden-brown sear. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sauté over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and return them to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve the dish hot.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the spice mix sticks. Use a hot pan to get a good sear on the chicken. Slice peppers and onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Taste and adjust salt after cooking if needed. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for bright flavor before serving.