Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe – A Jazzy Treat

Sizzling spices dance across tender chicken in this mouthwatering cajun chicken with bell peppers recipe that brings Louisiana’s vibrant culinary spirit right to your kitchen.

Robust seasonings and colorful peppers create a harmony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with excitement.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and zesty goodness.

The combination of juicy chicken and crisp bell peppers ensures a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious.

Bold cajun spices infuse each morsel with authentic Southern charm.

Quick and easy to prepare, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Get ready to savor a recipe that promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor with a vibrant red color, choose high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties for deeper taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings intense heat and sharp kick, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
• Oregano: Provides earthy, slightly bitter Mediterranean herb essence, use dried for concentrated flavor.
• Thyme: Contributes aromatic, subtle minty undertones, fresh or dried works perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning depth and balances spice intensity.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein centerpiece, select fresh, uniform-sized cuts for even cooking.
• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, creamy topping with tangy richness, cold slices melt beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty golden layer with robust dairy flavor, opt for aged varieties for stronger taste.
• Garlic: Introduces bold, pungent aromatic notes, freshly minced provides most vibrant flavor.

• Bell Peppers: Delivers sweet, crisp foundation with colorful visual appeal, mix red, yellow, and green for varied presentation.

Tools That Help with Cajun Chicken and Peppers Prep

• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the Cajun seasoning ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately combining spices.
• Casserole dish: Helps layer peppers and cook chicken evenly.
• Chef's knife: Needed for slicing bell peppers and mincing garlic.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheddar cheese.
• Baking sheet: Optional backup if you don't have a casserole dish.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe cooking temperature.

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Sizzle

• Spice Blend Creation

Craft a zesty Cajun spice mixture combining paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt. Blend thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

• Chicken Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your flavorful dish.

• Layering Magic

Spread colorful bell pepper slices across the bottom of a casserole dish, creating a vibrant foundation for the chicken.

• Seasoning Shower

Nestle chicken breasts atop the peppers, then generously dust with the homemade Cajun spice blend. Sprinkle minced garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Cheese Crowning

Add creamy cream cheese slices and a blanket of shredded cheddar to transform the chicken into a decadent masterpiece.

• Oven Performance

Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness. For those loving a golden crust, finish with a quick broil.

• Delicious Presentation

Carefully transfer the chicken, surrounding it with those roasted peppers that have been soaking up all the incredible flavors. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with excitement.

Tips for Flavorful Cajun Chicken and Sweet Bell Peppers

• Customize the Cajun blend by adjusting cayenne pepper for more or less heat, letting you control the recipe's spiciness perfectly.
• Replace cream cheese and cheddar with alternatives like pepper jack for a zestier kick or goat cheese for a tangy twist that transforms the dish.
• Experiment with different colored bell peppers or swap them with zucchini, asparagus, or summer squash to create exciting new flavor combinations.
• Prepare the Cajun seasoning and slice vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.

Best Ways to Serve Cajun Chicken with Peppers

• Zesty Sidekick Companions
• Fresh garden salad with crisp mixed greens and light vinaigrette complements the bold Cajun flavors perfectly.
• Spicy Rice Partner
• Garlic-infused cilantro rice or dirty rice creates a delicious southwestern-style base that absorbs the cheesy chicken juices wonderfully.
• Cool Creamy Contrast
• Smooth ranch dressing or tangy sour cream can help balance the spicy Cajun seasoning, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's intense heat.
• Wine and Beverage Match
• Crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a cold light beer pairs excellently with the rich, spicy chicken, cutting through the cheese and enhancing the pepper's brightness.

How to Store Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers for Leftovers

• Refrigerator Ready Portions: Slice cooked chicken into meal-sized portions and store in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays. These prepared servings stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken pieces in aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe bags. These meals remain delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed, making meal planning a breeze.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps restore the original juiciness.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Mix Cajun seasoning in larger batches and store in a sealed glass jar. This spice blend remains fresh for 3-6 months, allowing spontaneous flavor boosts to multiple dishes without extra prep time.

Fiery Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun chicken with bell peppers showcases Louisiana’s bold culinary heritage. Pepper-packed protein dances with zesty seasonings, promising a meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (small)
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese (cold, sliced into 8 pieces)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 bell peppers (small, or mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp thyme
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Whisk paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly combined, creating a robust Cajun spice blend.
2. Oven Preheation: Calibrate oven to 375°F, positioning rack centrally to ensure uniform heat distribution.
3. Vegetable Foundation: Layer bell pepper slices across the entire casserole dish base, creating a colorful and flavorful platform for the chicken.
4. Protein Placement and Seasoning: Position chicken breasts over peppers, generously coating with prepared Cajun seasoning and sprinkled minced garlic for enhanced aromatics.
5. Cheese Enhancement: Strategically place cream cheese slices atop each chicken breast, followed by a lavish covering of shredded cheddar, forming a luxurious melted cheese crust.
6. Roasting Process: Slide dish into preheated oven, roasting uncovered for approximately 25 minutes until chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.
7. Optional Finishing: Activate broiler for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
8. Plating and Presentation: Artfully arrange roasted bell peppers around and over the chicken, creating a visually appealing and appetizing dish.

Notes

• Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Let cream cheese and cheddar slightly overlap edges for maximum melt and coverage.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exact 165°F for food safety.
• Pepper Selection: Choose colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, green) for visual appeal and varied flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg