Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 24 ounces); 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Additional olive oil as needed to equal 1 tablespoon; 1/2 medium red onion, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 bell peppers (any color combo), chopped into 1-inch pieces; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s nothing quite like the rich, bold flavors of my Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe to elevate your dinner game. This dish is bursting with creamy, spicy, and bright notes that come together beautifully for an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

A round stainless steel pan holds four browned chicken pieces with a crispy texture on top. They sit in a thick, creamy light orange sauce mixed with small diced vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers and bits of herbs that add green specks on the sauce and chicken. A gold spoon rests inside the pan on the right side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly thrilled every time I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe because it balances rich creaminess with that unmistakable Cajun kick. Plus, it’s ready faster than you’d think, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Flavor Explosion: The Cajun spices combined with creamy Parmesan sauce create an amazing depth of flavor in every bite.
One-Pan Advantage: You cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor.
Versatility: Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that feels a little gourmet.
Colorful & Nourishing: The bell peppers and onions add freshness and texture while packing in healthy veggies.

A close-up of four browned pieces of chicken in a white pan filled with creamy sauce, the sauce is light orange with specks of herbs, small chunks of red and orange vegetables are mixed in. The chicken pieces are browned with a rough texture and sprinkled with green herbs on top. A golden spoon is resting on the pan’s edge and is partly covered in sauce. The surface under the pan has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe lies in the harmony of ingredients — the spices bring warmth and complexity, while the creamy sauce rounds everything out. Choosing fresh bell peppers and ripe cherry tomatoes really brightens the dish.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with a natural pink hue, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a few pats of creamy butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder spices, a small pile of coarse salt, small piles of dried oregano and dried thyme leaves, a tiny pile of black pepper, a small pinch of cayenne pepper, half of a medium red onion chopped into pieces, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with halved vibrant red cherry tomatoes, two chopped bell peppers in yellow and red, four whole unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with thick, pale heavy cream, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, a small pile of finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounding them evenly lets them cook perfectly and absorb seasoning better.
Cajun seasoning blend: The smoked paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme mix up a bold, smoky flavor.
Butter & olive oil: Used together for richness and a nice sear on the chicken.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and layers of flavor when sautéed.
Bell peppers: Colorful, crunchy, and slightly sweet—great for texture contrast.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness balances the creaminess and spices.
Garlic cloves: Essential aromatic that builds flavor depth.
Low sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly for that creamy consistency.
Heavy cream: Richens the dish and smooths out the spice.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Lime juice: A little acidity to brighten and balance the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a fantastic base that you can tweak to match your preferences. I like to adjust the heat level or swap heavy cream for evaporated milk if I want something a little lighter—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Milder Version: I sometimes skip the cayenne or reduce it if I’m serving this to kids or folks who prefer less spice; it still tastes fantastic.
Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or zucchini alongside the peppers can bulk up the veggies and add earthiness.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free but still creamy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

First, combine all your Cajun spices in a shallow dish, then whisk in the flour. Don’t forget to save a tablespoon from this mix; you’ll use it later for the sauce. Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally and give them a gentle pound to even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and soak up the seasoning. Pat the fillets dry, then dredge them well in the seasoning flour mix, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay in the chicken fillets and cook them 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The sear seals in flavor and juices—so don’t rush this step! Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate but keep that delicious pan drippings—don’t wipe the skillet out.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Sauce

Use the leftover oil and butter in the skillet, adding a little more oil if needed. Over medium-high heat, toss in the chopped red onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, minced garlic, and the reserved Cajun seasoning. Let everything cook together for 2 minutes until fragrant and starting to soften.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in half of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits—you’ll love the flavor this adds! Then whisk together the remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth and add that to the pan along with the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens nicely, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Lime, and Chicken

Lower the heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Finish the sauce with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. Nestle your golden chicken back into the skillet, letting it warm through in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more cayenne if you like it spicy!

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the secret to truly delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is not just the seasoning but the way you develop the sauce – don’t rush the simmering step! Taking the time to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld makes a massive difference in richness and taste.

Perfect Thickness: Whisk the cornstarch with broth to avoid lumps before adding it to the pan.
Even Chicken Cooking: Pound the chicken fillets to the same thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results.
Sear Carefully: Let the chicken develop a good golden crust without moving it too soon for maximum flavor.
Balance Heat & Creaminess: Add cayenne gradually; you can always add more, but can’t take it away!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A little extra lime wedge on the side brightens the whole plate, especially if the sauce feels rich. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan to make it extra cheesy!

Side Dishes

This creamy Cajun chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes—trust me, the sauce soaks in perfectly. I’ve also served it over jasmine rice or tossed it with fettuccine noodles for a comforting, hearty meal. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad rounds out the plate nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to plate a chicken fillet beside a neat mound of bright rice or mashed potatoes, then spoon the creamy Cajun pepper sauce artistically over the top. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds an elegant touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I transfer leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3-4 days and tastes just as good reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is totally doable. I let it cool, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce holds up surprisingly well after thawing. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I find warming it gently on low heat with a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce and prevents it from splitting. Stir regularly and avoid overheating to keep the cream sauce silky and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts work best for even cooking and quick searing, you can use boneless thighs for a juicier, slightly richer dish. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, use evaporated milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch to keep the sauce thick. Coconut milk is also a good dairy-free alternative but will change the flavor slightly.

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe?

It has a moderate heat level from the cayenne pepper and Cajun spices. You can adjust the cayenne to your taste—start small and add more if you like it spicy!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead and refrigerate separately. Cook the chicken last for the best texture, or assemble and refrigerate the whole dish and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe really holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that feels comforting but still exciting, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. I hope when you try it, you find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, savoring those creamy, spicy, colorful bites just like I do.