Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

This Cajun chicken bake transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort. The combination of homemade Cajun seasoning, sweet bell peppers, and rich cream cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent while remaining low-carb and gluten-free.

I first made this dish when I needed something impressive for unexpected dinner guests with dietary restrictions. The empty casserole dish and requests for the recipe told me everything I needed to know this easy bake would become a regular in my rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Small breasts work best as they cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better. Look for ones of similar size for consistent cooking.
• Bell peppers: These add natural sweetness that balances the spicy Cajun seasoning. Choose brightly colored firm peppers for best flavor.
• Cream cheese: The cold slices melt perfectly over the chicken creating a luscious sauce. Full fat works best for richness.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a savory golden crust on top. Freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre-packaged.
• Paprika: The starring flavor in the Cajun blend. Use sweet or smoked depending on your preference.
• Cayenne pepper: Provides the signature heat. Adjust amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Dried herbs: Oregano and thyme bring earthy complexity to the seasoning blend. Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves infuse the dish with aromatic goodness. Always use fresh rather than jarred for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:

Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme and salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices. The vibrant red color of the blend signals its flavor potency. This homemade blend allows you to control the heat level perfectly.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Place your thinly sliced bell peppers across the entire bottom of a casserole dish. Spread them evenly to create a colorful bed that will release sweet juices as they cook. These peppers will slowly caramelize underneath the chicken providing both flavor and a serving of vegetables.

Position the Chicken:

Arrange the chicken breasts directly on top of the peppers spacing them evenly. This clever positioning allows the chicken juices to flavor the peppers while keeping the meat elevated for proper cooking. The peppers will also protect the chicken from direct heat helping it stay moist.

Season Generously:

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning liberally over each chicken breast covering all surfaces. The more evenly you distribute the spices the more flavor will develop. Follow with minced garlic evenly distributed across all chicken pieces allowing the aromatic oils to permeate the meat.

Add Cream Layer:

Place two slices of cold cream cheese on top of each chicken breast. The cold cream cheese will slowly melt during baking creating a decadent sauce that combines with the chicken juices and spices. Position the slices to cover maximum surface area.

Add the Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the entire dish focusing on covering the cream cheese. The cheddar creates a protective layer that helps seal in moisture while creating a golden brown finish when baked. The cheese will also help bind all the flavors together.

Bake to Perfection:

Place uncovered dish in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The cheese will gradually melt forming a glorious golden crust while the peppers soften underneath. For extra color broil for 2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serve with Style:

To plate the finished dish scoop the tender pepper strips from beneath the chicken and arrange them decoratively around and over the chicken breasts. The vibrant colors of the peppers create a visually stunning presentation that hints at the flavor explosion waiting to be enjoyed.

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The bell peppers are truly the unsung heroes of this dish. When my daughter first tried this recipe she pushed them aside skeptical of their flavor. By the end of the meal she was fishing for every last pepper strip claiming they were better than the chicken itself. Their natural sweetness after being slow cooked in chicken juices and spices is absolutely transformative.

Make Ahead Tips

This Cajun chicken can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed but hold off on baking until ready to serve. The extra time allows the spices to penetrate the chicken even more deeply resulting in more flavorful meat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until about 30 minutes before you want to bake remove from refrigerator to take the chill off then bake as directed.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious there are several ways to customize it to your taste preferences. Try adding sliced onions along with the bell peppers for additional sweetness. For a smokier flavor incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika in your Cajun seasoning. Mushrooms make an excellent addition offering earthy notes that complement the spices beautifully. You could also swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want to amp up the heat factor.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides while maintaining its low carb appeal. Cauliflower rice absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly while staying keto friendly. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. For those not watching carbs a crusty bread for sauce sopping is heavenly. I also love serving this with roasted asparagus or broccoli which can even be roasted alongside the chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your chicken breasts are particularly thick consider butterflying them or pounding to even thickness before baking. This ensures they cook evenly throughout without drying out the thinner portions. If your cream cheese isn't melting properly make sure you're slicing it thinly rather than using thick chunks. For extra saucy results add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to the baking dish before adding the chicken.

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Common Queries

→ What makes Cajun seasoning unique?

Cajun seasoning combines paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt to create a bold, smoky flavor with a hint of heat.

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey breasts, pork chops, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Using cream cheese and covering the chicken during baking helps retain moisture, while cooking at 375°F prevents over-drying.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble the dish. Refrigerate it until ready to bake for a quick mealtime option.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Serve with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.