Description
This flavorful Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty blend of paprika, cayenne, and herbs, baked to perfection with colorful bell peppers, creamy cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 small bell peppers, thinly sliced (or use mini sweet peppers)
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold, refrigerated, sliced into 8 slices
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken and peppers.
- Arrange the Bell Peppers: Spread the thinly sliced bell peppers evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish, creating a flavorful vegetable base.
- Place the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on top of the bell peppers so they will cook nestled above the peppers.
- Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle the prepared Cajun seasoning over all sides of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken for added aroma and taste.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Place 2 slices of cold cream cheese onto each chicken breast, adding a creamy texture as it melts.
- Top with Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cream cheese on each chicken breast.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Using a spoon, scoop the cooked bell peppers from underneath the chicken and arrange them around and on top of the chicken breasts before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are small or pound them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh cream cheese and keep it cold before slicing to help maintain shape during baking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on chicken thickness, always check for proper internal temperature.
- Serving the peppers on top adds both flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
