This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a bold, comforting dinner made with juicy baked chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy cheesy topping. Packed with Cajun spices and baked in one dish, it’s an easy weeknight meal with big flavor and minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan oven-baked dinner
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of Cajun flavor
- Family-friendly with adjustable spice level
- Naturally gluten-free and halal-friendly
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 2 small bell peppers, thinly sliced (or mini sweet peppers)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold and sliced into 8 pieces
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Make the Cajun Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Chicken
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Arrange the sliced bell peppers evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish.
4. Place the chicken breasts on top of the peppers.
5. Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over both sides of the chicken. You do not need to use all the seasoning.
6. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
7. Place two slices of cream cheese on top of each chicken breast.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Broil for 2 minutes if desired for a lightly golden top.
11. To serve, scoop the bell peppers from underneath the chicken and spoon them over and around each piece.
6+87Tips & Tricks
- Slice peppers thinly so they soften fully while baking
- Use mild or sharp cheddar depending on preference
- For extra heat, add more cayenne or chili flakes
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, gluten-free
Notes
You can swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Colby Jack. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 36 g
FAQ
Is Cajun chicken spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust cayenne to your preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well. Adjust baking time.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad pair well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through
Similar Recipes
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 2 small bell peppers thinly sliced (or mini sweet peppers)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 6 oz cream cheese cold and sliced into 8 pieces
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Make the Cajun Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the sliced bell peppers evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the peppers.
- Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over both sides of the chicken. You do not need to use all the seasoning.
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Place two slices of cream cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Broil for 2 minutes if desired for a lightly golden top.
- To serve, scoop the bell peppers from underneath the chicken and spoon them over and around each piece.
Notes
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is creamy, bold, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and one pan, it’s a dependable dinner recipe that delivers comfort and flavor every time.