Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, spiced chicken breasts with the sweetness of colorful peppers. Cream cheese and cheddar add a rich, creamy layer, making this meal both comforting and exciting for your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 long sweet peppers, thinly sliced (or substitute with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers)
• 4 small chicken breasts (pounded thin if large; firm tofu or tempeh for plant-based option)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or chipotle powder)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or onion flakes)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or chili powder or ground white pepper)
• 1/2 tsp oregano (or dried thyme or marjoram)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic flakes)
• 1 cup cream cheese (or low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheese blend)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil and spread the sliced sweet peppers evenly to cover the bottom.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on top of the pepper slices in the baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Coat both sides of each chicken breast with the seasoning mix and minced garlic, rubbing it in thoroughly for better flavor.
5. Step 5: Dollop approximately 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on top of each chicken breast, spreading it slightly. Use all the cream cheese.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked. Switch the oven to broil and heat for 2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese.
8. Step 8: Before serving, place some of the roasted pepper slices on top of the chicken breasts as a garnish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to lighten the dish while keeping creaminess.
• If you prefer mild heat, replace cayenne pepper with chili powder or reduce the amount.
• Try using a mix of cheeses for a richer texture and flavor.
• Plant-based diners can swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to preserve moisture. Avoid reheating on broil to prevent burning the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes, if long sweet peppers are unavailable, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are excellent substitutes that maintain sweetness and texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking for 25 to 30 minutes generally achieves this. If unsure, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is no longer pink.

Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 76 reviews

This Cajun Chicken with Sweet Peppers recipe offers a deliciously spicy, smoky, and creamy dish perfect for a flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, topped with creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar, then baked atop a bed of sweet sliced peppers for a vibrant and comforting meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 long sweet peppers, thinly sliced (or substitute with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or use garlic flakes)

Protein

• 4 small chicken breasts (pound larger breasts to thin)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or chipotle powder)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or onion flakes)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or chili powder or ground white pepper for less heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or dried thyme or marjoram)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Dairy

• 1 cup cream cheese (can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheese blend)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the thinly sliced sweet peppers evenly in the bottom of the dish to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
2. Layer Chicken Breasts: Place the small chicken breasts directly on top of the layer of sliced sweet peppers, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
3. Mix Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform spice blend.
4. Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture generously on both sides of each chicken breast. Then coat them with the minced garlic, massaging the flavors into the meat to ensure maximum taste.
5. Add Cream Cheese Topping: Top each seasoned chicken breast with roughly two tablespoons of cream cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Use all the cream cheese provided for a rich, creamy flavor.
6. Sprinkle Cheddar Cheese: Evenly sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese on each chicken breast to add a sharp, melty topping.
7. Bake and Broil: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. For a golden and bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, garnish the chicken with some of the baked pepper slices before serving.

Notes

• Use small chicken breasts or pound larger ones to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
• If you want to reduce the spiciness, substitute cayenne pepper with chili powder or ground white pepper.
• Different cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used instead of cheddar for variation.
• For a plant-based alternative, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
• Keep minced garlic in olive oil on hand for a quick and convenient flavorful boost.
• Do not skip oregano as it contributes significantly to the dish’s flavor profile.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, baked chicken, spicy chicken, cheesy chicken, sweet peppers, easy dinner, creamy chicken, oven-baked