This Cajun Chicken Skillet is loaded with juicy chicken pieces and sweet bell peppers, all seasoned with the finest Cajun spices. This quick and simple dish provides a nutritious, hearty, and incredibly flavorful dinner, or can be served as a satisfying appetizer at gatherings or potlucks. Don’t forget to discover how you can repurpose leftovers from this recipe for additional meal inspiration throughout the week!
Easy Cajun Chicken Skillet!
The greatest aspect of this dish is its flavor, but nearly as important is its ease of preparation. This Cajun Chicken recipe consists of just six straightforward ingredients and can be ready in under 20 minutes.
The secret lies in the homemade Cajun seasoning! It provides a wealth of flavor while ensuring the recipe remains uncomplicated and can be prepared in mere minutes. The seasoning brings together the best elements of Creole cuisine with just the right amount of heat. Feel free to add a bit more for an extra punch or reduce the amount for a subtler taste.
If you enjoy Cajun flavors as much as I do, be sure to try my Blackened Chicken Breast, Baked Cajun Chicken, and Cajun Chicken Dip as well!
Recipe Notes
In this section, I will share some of the tips and tricks I use to prepare the Cajun Chicken Skillet for the best and most delightful results.
Be sure to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – boneless and skinless
- Bell peppers – I prefer to use one red and one green. However, feel free to choose your favorites if you have a preference.
- Seasonings – A handful of seasonings infuse the Cajun chicken with flavor, including cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and green onion.
Ensure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post for complete quantities and a full list of ingredients.
Step-by-Step Recipe
I will highlight a few essential steps in the recipe here, but please refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions on preparing the Cajun Chicken Skillet.
Take chunks of chicken, approximately 1 inch in size, and place them into a zip-top bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Shake the bag until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. When the oil becomes hot, add the chicken along with the peppers, ensuring the chicken is arranged in a single layer. Cook the chicken.
After the chicken is thoroughly cooked, introduce garlic to the skillet and stir well to combine.
When the chicken is finished cooking, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the chicken with the chopped green onions.
How to Handle Leftover Cajun Chicken
If you have any leftovers, they can be utilized for meal prepping or stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals throughout the week or month.
Storing in the Refrigerator:
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cajun Chicken:
- To freeze uncooked: prepare the chicken and vegetables through step 1. Store the chicken and peppers in separate containers and freeze. When it’s time to cook, completely thaw them before proceeding to step 2.
- To freeze cooked Cajun Chicken: place in an airtight container (I prefer to split it into meal-sized portions) and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or skillet when it’s time to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken
I typically serve this Cajun Chicken Skillet in two ways. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and it doubles as a hearty appetizer. Just leave it in the skillet and place a cup of toothpicks nearby for a delicious bite-sized snack.
When serving it as a main dish, there are several sides that pair beautifully with it. Here are some classic and simply delightful serving ideas:
Side Dishes to Complement Cajun Chicken
Low Carb Side Dish Options
I hope this gives you a solid foundation for your dinner. If you have a go-to Cajun side dish that you adore, feel free to share it in the comments! I would love to try it out next time!
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Preparation – You can get a jump start by prepping ahead and storing it in the fridge overnight or freezing it to thaw later. Chop the bell peppers uniformly and keep aside.
- Oil – Ensure that the oil is hot and ready before adding the chicken to the skillet.
- Dig in! If you’re not ready to eat immediately, cover with foil to retain warmth until it’s time to serve.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cajun Chicken
- Cajun Chicken Subs – Split a sub roll, butter each side, and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Bake at 425˚F until the butter has melted and the edges are browned and crisp. Afterward, load it with the Cajun chicken and peppers, topping with slices of provolone cheese. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is warmed through. Finish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes before enjoying.
- Cajun Chicken Pasta – Prepare your pasta of choice or zoodles based on package instructions. Once cooked, combine it with Alfredo sauce, the Cajun chicken along with the peppers, adding more Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve garnished with parmesan and diced tomatoes.
- Cajun Chicken Quinoa – Prepare quinoa as needed and mix with Cajun chicken for a nutritious meal…
Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place it in a resealable bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cajun seasoning. Combine the chicken until fully coated with the seasoning and let it marinate while you chop the bell pepper into bite-sized chunks.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken along with the pepper, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain a single layer. Allow the chicken to sear for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then flip each piece over using tongs. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then add the garlic, stir well, and continue cooking for 1 minute more or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once fully cooked, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onion on top of the chicken. Serve right away. Enjoy!
- Chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or other cuts can be used instead of chicken breast.
- Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to a month.
To prepare quinoa, follow the package directions. Once cooked, combine it with cajun chicken, bell peppers, diced red onion, sweet peas, and kidney beans. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, adding extra cajun seasoning to taste.
Cajun Chicken Salad: Shred romaine lettuce to create a base in a bowl. Add cajun chicken and bell peppers along with diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and shredded carrots on top. Dress the salad with olive oil, lime juice, and more cajun seasoning as desired.
Cajun Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Combine leftover chicken with rice and kidney beans in a 2:1:1 ratio. Halve the bell peppers and remove the stem, ribs, and seeds. Place the peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the chicken mixture and add provolone cheese on top. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the dish. Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes until the peppers are tender and the chicken is heated through. Remove the cover during the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Do you have more easy skillet dinner recipes?
Absolutely! Be sure to explore these recipes for straightforward and flavorful dinner options that can be prepared in just one skillet.
I truly hope you get the opportunity to try this recipe soon, and that your family loves it as much as mine does!
If you do get around to making it, I would appreciate it if you could share your thoughts! Not only does it brighten my day, but your feedback also helps my website grow.
Feel free to leave a comment below, or if you upload a picture on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @ so I can see what delightful dishes you’re creating! It genuinely makes me happy to witness others enjoying the recipes I share!
Instructions
Recipe Notes
Dietary Notes:
This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for both low-carb and keto diets. Always check product packaging to ensure compliance.
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate and may vary based on the brands used or any modifications made. For the most precise calculations, consider utilizing a nutrition calculator with your specific brands and measurements.
©2018 Easy Family Recipes
Nutrition Information
Serving Size:
5.5
oz
,
Calories:
235
kcal
(12%)
,
Carbohydrates:
4
g
(1%)
,
Protein:
32
g
(64%)
,
Fat:
9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Cholesterol: 96mg (32%), Sodium: 179mg (8%), Potassium: 712mg (20%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 2445IU (49%), Vitamin C: 53.7mg (65%), Calcium: 21mg (2%), Iron: 1.3mg (7%)
