Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs coated with smoky Cajun spices roasted alongside vibrant sweet bell peppers for a flavorful and easy meal. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a large sheet pan and surround with 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, and 1 large green bell pepper, each sliced into 1/2-inch strips. Drizzle the peppers with a little olive oil if needed.
  3. Step 3: Roast in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the peppers are tender with slightly charred edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from the oven, brush 1/2 cup barbecue sauce over the chicken thighs, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Let rest 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Barbecue Chicken with Roasted Sweet Peppers?

BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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