Cheesy One-Pan Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Introduction

Spice up your week with this flavorful One-Pan Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers. Minimal prep, easy clean-up, and a palate of zesty seasonings make this wholesome dish a perfect hassle-free weeknight meal. It’s high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free, helping to keep your diet goals in check without sacrificing taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Quick and Easy: Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal.
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, easy clean-up.
Flavor Bomb: Packed with bold Cajun spices, this dish is excitement in every bite!
Diet-friendly: Protein-rich, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free – it’s a tasty treat for all.
Versatile: Can be paired with many side options. Perfect for reinventing leftovers!

Ingredients

Here’s the list of flavorful ingredients you’ll need for making Cajun chicken with sweet peppers:

Long Sweet Peppers – 2, thinly sliced
Small Chicken Breasts – 4
Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
Onion Powder – 1 tsp
Cayenne Pepper – ¼ tsp
Oregano – ½ tsp
Salt – ¼ tsp
Black Pepper – ⅛ tsp
Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
Cream Cheese – 1 cup
Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup, shredded

Notes & Substitutions

Substitute as needed with these handy tips:

Peppers: Use bell peppers if you like.
Chicken: Pound larger breasts for even cooking.
Spices: Lower the spice level by using chili powder instead of cayenne, and increase or decrease according to your taste.
Cheeses: Use a low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend to play with creaminess and flavor. For dairy-free alternatives, consider plant-based cream cheese or nutritional yeast.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to get your Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers ready:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with oil.
Arrange the thinly sliced sweet peppers at the base of the dish.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the peppers.
In a small bowl, mix together the dry spices and sprinkle this cajun seasoning and minced garlic over the chicken.
Gently rub the spices and garlic into the chicken marinating it well.
Top each chicken breast with about 2 tbsp of cream cheese, ensuring all the cream cheese is utilized.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
Pop the dish in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F).
For the golden finish, broil the dish for 2 minutes observing the cheese turn golden and bubble.
Before serving, garnish with fresh pepper slices. Enjoy your cheesy, spicy, cajun chicken with sweet peppers!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Chicken Doneness: For accurate results and to prevent foodborne illness, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F USDA guidelines for cooking chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
Spice Control: Customize your spice level with cayenne pepper.
Flavor: Marinate the chicken longer for a more intense flavor if time permits.
Even Cooking: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness for even cooking.
Crust: Monitor the cheese while broiling to prevent burning.
Cream Cheese: For an easy spread, soften the cream cheese.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will guarantee the best flavor.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Have a filling meal by pairing the Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers with rice (white, brown, or wild), a savory cornbread, sautéed green beans, asparagus, roasted carrots, or a fresh side salad.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until adequately warmed through but avoid overcooking.

Variations

Leaner option: use reduced-fat cheese or add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. For spice lovers, add chopped jalapeños or drizzle some hot sauce. Add tomatoes, spinach, corn or cooked sausage for extra flavors. You can also switch up proteins and try with shrimp, pork chops or even white fish!

Nutrition

This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers provides incredible nutritional value, being high in protein yet low in carbs.

Per serving (1 chicken breast, 12 oz):

Calories: 521 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 51g
Fat: 30g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 211mg
Fiber: 2.1g
Calcium: 186mg
Iron: 1.4mg

FAQ

What kind of sweet peppers work best?

Long sweet peppers are ideal but bell peppers can be used as well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers recipe very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted according to preference by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.

What are good low-carb sides for this dish?

Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus or zucchini make excellent low-carb sides.

Conclusion

This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers offers a balance of spicy, savory and sweet that’s hard to resist. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal. The next time you’re looking for a protein-rich, low-carb dinner, give this recipe a try! Rate it, share it, and let us know how you like it!