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Spicy Cajun Chicken Skillet - Bold, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Bell peppers: 2 medium (any colors), sliced
  • Red onion: 1 medium, sliced
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons (or avocado oil)
  • Chicken broth: 1/3 cup (optional, for a saucier finish)
  • Lemon: 1, for juice and zest
  • Fresh parsley or green onions: For garnish
  • Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, sliced smoked sausage, cooked rice, or corn
  • Cajun spice blend:
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Adjust cayenne based on your heat preference.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and toss with half of the spice blend and 1 tablespoon of oil. Let it sit while you prep the vegetables.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté the veggies: Add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add sliced peppers and onion. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until they start to soften and get a little char. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Spice it up: Sprinkle the remaining Cajun blend over the vegetables. Stir to coat so the spices toast and bloom, about 30–60 seconds.
  6. Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth if you want a saucier skillet. Stir and let everything simmer 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
  7. Finish with brightness: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add a little zest. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon.
  8. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with warm tortillas. Add hot sauce if you like extra heat.