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
Scale
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.
