This Cajun Chicken Skillet features tender chicken chunks and vibrant bell peppers, all infused with authentic Cajun spices. This quick and easy meal delivers a nutritious, satisfying, and exceptionally tasty dinner, or can be served as an appealing appetizer for gatherings or potlucks. Remember to check out creative ways to use leftovers from this recipe for additional meal ideas throughout the week!
Easy Cajun Chicken Skillet!
The highlight of this dish is undoubtedly its incredible flavor, but its simplicity is nearly as significant. This Cajun Chicken recipe requires just six basic ingredients and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.
The key is in the homemade Cajun seasoning! It offers a depth of flavor while keeping the recipe straightforward and quick to prepare. The seasoning expertly combines the finest aspects of Creole cuisine, delivering just the right hint of heat. Adjust the spiciness to your preference—add more for a kick or lessen it for a milder dish.
If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors like I am, you might also enjoy my Blackened Chicken Breast, Baked Cajun Chicken, and Cajun Chicken Dip!
Recipe Notes
Preparation of this Cajun Chicken Skillet is just as easy as it sounds! I usually go from fridge to table in under 20 minutes.
In this section, I’ll share some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Cajun Chicken Skillet turns out beautifully every time.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – skinless and boneless
- Bell peppers – I typically use one red and one green, but feel free to select your favorites.
- Seasonings – Several seasonings enhance the flavor of the Cajun chicken, including cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and green onion.
Be sure to refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact amounts and a full ingredient list.
Step-by-Step Recipe
I will outline a few critical steps in this recipe, but please consult the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to prepare the Cajun Chicken Skillet.
Cut chicken into approximately 1-inch chunks and place them into a zip-top bag along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Shake the bag until the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and peppers, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Cook the chicken thoroughly.
Once the chicken is properly cooked, remove the skillet from heat and mix in chopped garlic, stirring well to blend.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and top the chicken with some chopped green onions.
Managing Leftover Cajun Chicken
If there are any leftovers, they can be great for meal prepping or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for meals during the week or month ahead.
Refrigerating Tips:
- Transfer the chicken to an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 days.
Freezing Cajun Chicken:
- For uncooked freezing: prepare the chicken and vegetables up to step 1. Store the chicken and peppers in separate containers and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, be sure to thaw them completely before proceeding to step 2.
- For cooked Cajun Chicken: place it in an airtight container (I prefer to divide it into meal-sized portions) and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.
Accompaniments for Cajun Chicken
This Cajun Chicken Skillet can be served in two main ways. It’s ideal for a simple and quick dinner, but it also functions as a filling appetizer. Simply keep it in the skillet and set out toothpicks for a delightful bite-sized treat.
If serving it as a main dish, there are several side options that pair wonderfully. Consider these classic and delightful suggestions:
Recommended Side Dishes for Cajun Chicken
Low-Carb Side Dish Suggestions
I hope this offers a strong foundation for your meal. If you have a favorite Cajun side dish that you love, please share it in the comments! I’d be eager to try it out next time!
Valuable Recipe Tips
- Preparation – Get ahead by prepping in advance and refrigerating overnight or freezing for future use. Chop the bell peppers evenly and set them aside.
- Heat the Oil – Make sure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the chicken to the skillet.
- Enjoy! If you’re not ready to serve immediately, cover the skillet with foil to keep it warm until serving time.
Creative Uses for Leftover Cajun Chicken
If you end up with extras from this tasty dish, they can be fantastic for meal prep or transformed into various new recipes after freezing. Here are a few ideas you might find appealing:
- Cajun Chicken Subs – Cut a sub roll, butter the sides, and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Bake at 425˚F until the butter melts and the edges become crispy. Then fill it 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 is heated. Finish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes before serving.
- Cajun Chicken Pasta – Cook your preferred pasta or zoodles according to package directions. Once ready, mix it with Alfredo sauce, the Cajun chicken, and peppers, adding more Cajun seasoning to your taste. Serve garnished with parmesan and diced tomatoes.
In a large skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of oil over high heat. Once it’s hot, introduce the chicken and bell peppers, ensuring they are laid out in a single layer. If necessary, prepare in batches to maintain this arrangement. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then use tongs to flip each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, add the garlic, mix well, and continue cooking for another minute, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once cooked thoroughly, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onion over the chicken. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
### Cajun Chicken Quinoa
To make quinoa, follow the instructions on the package. After cooking, combine the quinoa with Cajun chicken, diced bell peppers, red onion, sweet peas, and kidney beans. Finish by drizzling olive oil and lime juice over the mix, adding more Cajun seasoning if desired.
**Cajun Chicken Salad:**
Start by shredding romaine lettuce to create a base in a bowl. Layer in the Cajun chicken, bell peppers, diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Dress with olive oil and lime juice, adding additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
**Cajun Chicken Stuffed Peppers:**
Mix leftover Cajun chicken with rice and kidney beans in a ratio of 2:1:1. Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the stems, ribs, and seeds. Place the halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the chicken mixture and top with provolone cheese. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. Cover and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the chicken is heated. During the last 5 to 10 minutes, uncover the dish to allow the cheese to brown.
### Do you have more easy skillet dinner recipes?
Certainly! Check out these recipes for simple and delicious dinner ideas that can be prepared in just one 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 make it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback not only brightens my day but also supports my website’s growth. Feel free to leave a comment below, or if you post a picture on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me so I can appreciate the wonderful dishes you create!
#### Recipe Overview
– **Preparation Time:** 5 minutes
– **Cooking Time:** 8 minutes
– **Total Time:** 13 minutes
– **Servings:** 6
### Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a resealable bag with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the seasoning and allow it to marinate while you chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs, tenders, or other cuts for the chicken breast.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Dietary Notes:
This meal is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Always verify product packaging to ensure compliance.
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and any modifications made. For precise calculations, consider using a nutrition calculator tailored to 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: 1
g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 2445IU (49%), Vitamin C: 53.7mg (65%), Calcium: 21mg (2%), Iron: 1.3mg (7%)
