Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Chicken Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken breast pieces are perfectly seasoned and cooked with colorful bell peppers and aromatic garlic, making a delicious one-pan dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 1/4 cup green onion (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a zip-top bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly and let the chicken marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Step 2: Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and bell peppers in a single layer. If the skillet cannot fit all the chicken in one layer, cook in batches.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Use tongs to flip each piece over and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the second side.
5. Step 5: Add the pressed garlic to the skillet, stir well, and cook for 1 more minute until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F and is fully cooked.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños while cooking.
• Serve over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Try swapping bell peppers for zucchini or asparagus for a different vegetable twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to stay juicier and may require slightly longer cooking time.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning usually has a mild to moderate level of spice, but it varies by brand. You can adjust the amount used or choose a milder version if you prefer less heat.

Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 66 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Skillet recipe offers a flavorful and quick one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and garlic, then topped with fresh green onions. Perfect for a spicy, protein-packed dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless), cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

Vegetables and Toppings

• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Chop the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Place the chicken pieces into a zip-top bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Seal the bag and mix thoroughly to coat all the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the red and green bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken and Peppers: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken pieces and chopped bell peppers in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes until it develops a golden crust.
4. Flip and Cook the Other Side: Using tongs, flip each piece of chicken over. Cook the second side for 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. Then, add the pressed garlic to the skillet and stir well, cooking for an additional 1 minute or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat once the chicken is cooked. Top the dish with chopped green onions for freshness and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Chicken Skillet!

Notes

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in a skillet or microwave.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning if needed to make the dish gluten-free.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, skillet chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, spicy chicken skillet, one-pan meal