Description
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with bold Cajun spices and smoked paprika, sautéed alongside colorful bell peppers and red onion. This quick and easy recipe combines spicy, savory, and fresh citrus notes for a wholesome main course perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, it delivers a balanced and satisfying meal that pairs well with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add additional olive oil if necessary. Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced red onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Add Freshness: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken and pepper mixture, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to make a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce added salt and choose a low-sodium Cajun seasoning blend.
- Use fresh parsley or substitute with cilantro for a different fresh herb note.
- Make sure not to overcook the bell peppers to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
