Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted Bell Peppers
A quick skillet chicken dinner infused with smoky Cajun spices and sweet roasted bell peppers for a balanced, flavorful meal. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium onion into thin strips. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Pat dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with the spice mix.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 6: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 more minutes until the broth reduces slightly.
- Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the pan, tossing to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
- Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted 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 Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted 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 Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted 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 Skillet Cajun Chicken with Roasted 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.
