There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together effortlessly yet bursts with vibrant flavors. This One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—a perfect balance of smoky Cajun spices, zesty lime, and colorful veggies all cooked in one pan for an easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with bold seasonings and bright citrus notes that will quickly become a favorite weeknight dinner in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color without complicating your shopping list. Together, they create a hearty, aromatic meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and the perfect canvas for the Cajun lime marinade.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that signature spicy and smoky punch essential to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the chicken’s savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smoky notes and enriches the color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the other seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully and keeps it moist.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the spices.
- 1 tablespoon lime zest: Adds an aromatic citrus tang right at the finish.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Brings sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Adds a fresh, crisp texture and sunny hue.
- 1 red onion (sliced): Contributes a mild pungency and a touch of sweetness once roasted.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Freshens the dish with herbaceous notes.
- Lime wedges for garnish: Provides an extra burst of citrus for those who want a little more zing.
How to Make One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Seasoning
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your chicken is perfectly seared. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend is your flavor powerhouse—mixing smoky, spicy, and savory components that coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts with your hands, making sure every inch is coated. This ensures every bite delivers that delicious, bold Cajun flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful exterior. Be patient and resist the urge to move them around too much.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Lime
Arrange the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion around the chicken breasts in the skillet. Drizzle the fresh lime juice all over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with lime zest to introduce those irresistible citrus notes that brighten the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables have softened to tender perfection. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over everything for a fresh herbal pop. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of tangy goodness.
How to Serve One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro and lime wedges is more than decoration; these garnishes enhance the dish’s bright citrus profile and complement the smoky Cajun flavors perfectly. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for even more dimension.
Side Dishes
This chicken dish pairs wonderfully with simple, neutral sides like steamed rice or warm quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices. For a lower-carb option, roasted cauliflower or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would be fantastic choices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the chicken and vegetables on a large rustic platter and let everyone help themselves family-style. Alternatively, place chicken breasts on individual plates atop a bed of cilantro-lime rice sprinkled with extra bell pepper slices for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven instead of the microwave helps keep the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the proper internal temperature.
How spicy is this One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe?
This recipe has a moderate level of spice from the Cajun seasoning, which can be adjusted up or down depending on your preference. For extra heat, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is gluten-free as long as you use a Cajun seasoning blend without any gluten-containing additives. Double-check your seasoning to be sure.
Can I prepare this recipe on a grill instead of the oven?
You can, though the one-pan aspect won’t be the same. Grill the chicken breasts with the seasoning and prepare the peppers and onions in a grill basket or foil packet alongside. Drizzle lime juice just before serving.
What can I serve this chicken with to make it a complete meal?
Pair it with rice, quinoa, or even a light salad to keep the meal balanced. Black beans or corn on the cob also complement the Cajun lime flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is a joyful celebration of bold spices and zesty lime that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor or freshness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive but fuss-free. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—this dish truly feels like a warm, flavorful hug on a plate.
Print
One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Cajun Lime Chicken offers a vibrant, flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky Cajun spice blend and fresh lime zest. Searing the chicken in a skillet before baking it with colorful bell peppers and onions results in a tender and juicy entrée that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Seasoning: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Season Chicken: Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust — this locks in juices and enhances flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Lime: Arrange the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion around the chicken in the skillet. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over all and sprinkle lime zest evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
- You may substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, but be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure doneness.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to easily transfer from stovetop searing to oven baking in one pan, minimizing cleanup.
