This Cajun Chicken Skillet is packed with succulent pieces of chicken and vibrant bell peppers, all beautifully seasoned with premium Cajun spices. This quick and easy meal offers a nutritious, hearty, and remarkably flavorful dinner, or it can serve as a delightful appetizer for gatherings and potlucks. Be sure to check out ways to repurpose leftovers from this dish for further meal ideas throughout the week!
Simple Cajun Chicken Skillet!
The best part of this dish is undoubtedly its flavor, but its ease of preparation is almost equally significant. This Cajun Chicken recipe features just six simple ingredients and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
The key is in the homemade Cajun seasoning! It brings a burst of flavor while keeping the recipe uncomplicated and quick. This seasoning captures the essence of Creole cooking with a perfect balance of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
If you’re as fond of Cajun flavors as I am, don’t miss my Blackened Chicken Breast, Baked Cajun Chicken, and Cajun Chicken Dip!
Recipe Notes
This Cajun Chicken Skillet recipe truly lives up to its description of being straightforward! I often find myself going from fridge to table in 20 minutes or less.
In this segment, I will share some helpful tips and tricks that I use to create the most delicious Cajun Chicken Skillet.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – boneless and skinless
- Bell peppers – I prefer using one red and one green, but feel free to select your favorites.
- Seasonings – A selection of spices gives the Cajun chicken its distinctive flavor, including cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and green onion.
Make sure to consult the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the detailed quantities and a complete list of ingredients.
Step-by-Step Recipe
I’ll outline a few crucial steps in the recipe here, but please refer to the recipe card for in-depth instructions on making the Cajun Chicken Skillet.
Cut chicken into approximately 1-inch pieces and transfer them into a zip-top bag along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun spices. Shake the bag vigorously until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add the chicken and peppers, making sure they are spread out in a single layer. Begin cooking the chicken.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add garlic to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chicken with chopped green onions.
How to Manage Leftover Cajun Chicken
If you have any leftovers, they can be repurposed for meal prep or stored in the fridge or freezer for use later in the week or month.
Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Leftover Cajun Chicken:
- For uncooked chicken: Prepare the chicken and vegetables up to step 1. Store chicken and peppers in separate containers and freeze. When ready to cook, ensure they are completely thawed before moving to step 2.
- For cooked Cajun Chicken: Place in an airtight container (I recommend dividing it into meal-sized servings) and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or skillet.
Suggestions for Pairing with Cajun Chicken
I often serve this Cajun Chicken Skillet in two main ways. It’s ideal for a quick, easy dinner, and also makes for a great hearty appetizer. Just keep it in the skillet and set out a cup of toothpicks for a delicious finger food option.
When serving it as a main dish, there are numerous sides that complement it well. Here are some classic and delightful ideas:
Complementary Side Dishes for Cajun Chicken
Low-Carb Side Dish Suggestions
I hope this provides a good foundation for your dinner planning. If you have a favorite Cajun side dish, I’d love for you to share it in the comments; I’m eager to try it out next time!
Useful Recipe Tips
- Preparation – Get a head start by prepping ahead of time and storing it in the fridge overnight or freeze it to thaw later. Cut the bell peppers evenly and set aside.
- Oil – Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to the skillet.
- Dive in! If you’re not ready to serve immediately, cover with foil to keep it warm until mealtime.
Innovative Uses for Leftover Cajun Chicken
If you find yourself with any leftover Cajun Chicken, it’s perfect for meal prepping throughout the week or can be transformed into various new dishes once frozen. Here are some enticing ideas:
- Cajun Chicken Subs – Split a sub roll, butter each side, and season with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Bake at 425˚F until the butter melts and the edges turn crispy. Then, load up with the Cajun chicken and peppers, topping with provolone cheese slices. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the chicken warms through. Finish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes before serving.
- Cajun Chicken Pasta – Cook your choice of pasta or zoodles following the package instructions. After draining, mix it with Alfredo sauce, Cajun chicken, and peppers, adding more Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve topped with parmesan and chopped parsley.
### Cajun Chicken Quinoa
To cook quinoa, adhere to the instructions provided on the package. After it’s prepared, mix it with Cajun chicken, bell peppers, diced red onion, sweet peas, and kidney beans. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and lime juice, and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking.
#### Cajun Chicken Salad:
Start by shredding romaine lettuce to serve as the base in a bowl. Layer with Cajun chicken and bell peppers alongside diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the top; add more Cajun seasoning as preferred.
#### Cajun Chicken Stuffed Peppers:
Mix leftover chicken with rice and kidney beans in a 2:1:1 ratio. Slice bell peppers in half, removing the stems, ribs, and seeds. Position the halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture and sprinkle provolone cheese on top. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the peppers soften and the chicken is heated. Remove the cover during the last 5-10 minutes for the cheese to brown nicely.
### Do You Have More Easy Skillet Dinner Recipes?
Absolutely! Check out these dishes that offer quick and tasty dinner solutions, all made in a single skillet.
I hope you have the chance to try this recipe soon, and that your family enjoys it as much as mine does!
If you do give it a shot, I would love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback not only brightens my day but also helps my website grow.
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, or if you share a photo on Instagram, remember to tag me @ so I can see the wonderful meals you’re creating! It truly makes me happy to see others enjoying the recipes I provide.
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**Preparation Time:** 5 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 8 minutes
**Total Time:** 13 minutes
**Servings:** 6
### Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a resealable bag along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated, allowing it to marinate while you chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.### Cooking Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken along with the pepper, ensuring they are laid out in a single layer. If needed, cook the ingredients in batches to keep the single layer intact. Let the chicken sear for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then use tongs to flip each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then add the garlic, stirring well and cooking for 1 more minute, or until the chicken achieves an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onion over the chicken. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
### Recipe Notes
– You can substitute chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or other cuts in place of chicken breast.
– Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or they can be frozen for about a month.
**Dietary Notes:**
This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a great choice for low-carb and keto diets. Always check product labels to ensure compliance.
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may differ based on specific brands or any modifications made. For the most accurate calculations, consider using a nutrition calculator with your particular brands and measurements.
©2018 Easy Family Recipes
### Nutrition Information
– **Serving Size:** 5.5 oz
– **Calories:** 235 (12%)
– **Carbohydrates:** 4 g (1%)
– **Protein:** 32 g (64%)
– **Fat:** 9 g (14%)
– **Saturated Fat:** 1 g (6%)
– **Cholesterol:** 96 mg (32%)
– **Sodium:** 179 mg (8%)
– **Potassium:** 712 mg (20%)
– **Fiber:** 1 gg (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 2445IU (49%), Vitamin C: 53.7mg (65%), Calcium: 21mg (2%), Iron: 1.3mg (7%)
