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Healthy Cajun Chicken Skillet


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This healthy Cajun chicken skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a zesty Cajun sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, offering a delicious and nutritious option that’s ready in under 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by patting your chicken breast cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Slice your red and green bell peppers and onion into uniform strips so they cook evenly.

    2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

    3. Saute the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet (no need to add more oil if there’s enough residue from the chicken). Saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite to them.

    4. Deglaze and Create the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; these bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer.

    5. Whisk in Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened light cream cheese to the simmering broth and whisk continuously until it’s fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

    6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

    7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: skillet
    • Cuisine: cajun

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

    Keywords: cajun chicken, chicken skillet, one pan meal, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner, quick dinner, spicy chicken, bell peppers, chicken breast, easy recipe