Craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that doesn’t take a culinary degree (or a sink full of dishes)? Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s got that smoky, spicy kick we all secretly love, creamy comfort from the cheeses, and enough color to make your plate look like it belongs on a magazine cover.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, juggling meetings, or just trying to make something that isn’t another spaghetti night, this dish brings bold flavor without the chaos.
Let’s get into the magic, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Here’s the deal: this Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick (30 minutes!), requires minimal prep, and uses pantry-friendly spices you probably already have. The bell peppers roast into sweet, tender bites underneath juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts. And the cream cheese? Oh honey, it melts into a dreamy sauce that’s got just enough heat to keep things interesting.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want something that tastes like it took hours (but didn’t).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chicken + Extras:
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (or swap in mini sweet peppers if that’s what’s in the fridge)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cold cream cheese, sliced into 8 chunks
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tip: Want it spicier? Add a dash more cayenne. Want to keep the peace with your spice-sensitive eaters? Cut it back to just a pinch.
How to Make Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
1. Make Your Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt. Give it a good mix and set it aside. You’ll feel like a spice wizard in your own kitchen.
2. Layer Your Peppers
Preheat that oven to 375°F. Grab your casserole dish (9×13 works great) and scatter your sliced bell peppers across the bottom like a colorful veggie carpet.
3. Chicken Goes On Top
Lay the chicken breasts over the peppers. This way, the peppers roast under the chicken and soak up all those juicy drippings—flavor jackpot.
4. Season Like You Mean It
Sprinkle your Cajun seasoning generously over each chicken breast. No need to use it all unless you like things really bold. Top each breast with minced garlic for a deliciously aromatic boost.
5. Creamy Dreamy Toppings
Place two slices of cold cream cheese on each piece of chicken. (Yes, they’ll melt and create a rich, velvety layer.) Finish it off with a handful of shredded cheddar.
6. Bake and Broil
Pop the dish in the oven uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp if you’re checking). Want that cheesy top golden and bubbly? Broil it for 2 minutes at the end.
7. Serve It Up
When you plate, don’t forget the peppers underneath! Scoop them out and spoon around and over the chicken for a gorgeous (and tasty) finish.
Aneta’s Kitchen Tip
If your cream cheese slices look a little wonky going in, don’t sweat it—once it melts, everything blends into a luscious layer of cheesy goodness. I once made this for a potluck and had two people ask me what “fancy restaurant” I picked it up from. Nope, just my oven, a handful of spices, and a little Chicken Magic.

FAQs About Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust your cooking time slightly—thighs may take a bit longer depending on thickness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It reheats like a dream in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can skip the cream cheese and cheddar and instead drizzle with a little olive oil before baking. It’ll still have tons of flavor from the Cajun spices and roasted peppers.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Of course! Just watch the salt content—some mixes can be heavy on the sodium. Start light and adjust to taste.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is one of those feel-good meals that makes weeknights a little easier and dinner a lot more exciting. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing a date, or just treating yourself after a long day (because yes, you deserve it), this recipe’s got you covered.
So go ahead, spice things up—and let your oven do the hard work.
Explore More Flavorful Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Looking to keep the Cajun-inspired vibes going or want more easy dinner ideas in your back pocket? Here are some handpicked recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen that pair perfectly with the cozy, cheesy boldness of our Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers. These dishes offer similar spice, comfort, or weeknight-friendliness—and might just earn you a few extra compliments at the dinner table.
- Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken – If you loved the creamy texture of this Cajun bake, you’ll adore this spicy, cheesy wonder packed with bold flavor and minimal fuss.
- Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls – These bowls are great for meal prep and echo the vibrant pepper-chicken combo in a new, fun format.
- Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – Take the creamy vibes a step further with this luscious ricotta pasta that makes weeknight comfort food feel just a little fancy.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta – If you’re into big flavor and little effort (who isn’t?), this one-pan dinner brings garlic, butter, and creamy goodness to the table—fast.
Each of these recipes captures a bit of the magic you just cooked up and brings it to a whole new level. Bookmark them for your next craving or weeknight dinner win!
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Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers is a bold, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with homemade Cajun spice, topped with creamy cheeses, and baked over sweet bell peppers for a meal that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
Chicken
4 small chicken breasts
2 bell peppers (or mini sweet peppers), thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz cream cheese, cold and sliced into 8 pieces
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Make the Cajun Seasoning: Combine paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Layer Peppers: Arrange thinly sliced bell peppers at the bottom of a casserole dish.
Add Chicken: Place chicken breasts on top of the peppers.
Season & Top: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over the chicken. Add the minced garlic. Then top each chicken breast with 2 slices of cream cheese and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil (Optional): For a golden top, broil the dish for 2 minutes at the end.
Serve: Scoop the roasted peppers from underneath and serve them around or on top of the chicken.
Notes
Adjust cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred—just adjust baking time accordingly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with peppers
- Calories: 375 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg