Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Bell Peppers
Juicy chicken thighs roasted on a sheet pan with vibrant bell peppers and a smoky Cajun spice blend for a flavorful, easy weeknight meal. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips yellow bell pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 4 bone-in chicken thighs with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a large sheet pan and surround them evenly with 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, both cut into 1/2-inch strips.
- Step 3: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the bell peppers are tender and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Bell 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.
Is Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced 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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