One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Tender chicken thighs roasted with a vibrant blend of Cajun spices and colorful bell peppers for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a large baking sheet. Scatter 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves evenly around the chicken.
- Step 3: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is crispy, while the peppers soften and caramelize.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and peppers before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pan Baked Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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