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
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
