Description
This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is a zesty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender chicken breasts marinated in Cajun spices, lime juice, and garlic, it’s paired with colorful bell peppers and onions. A dash of honey adds a hint of sweetness, making it a balanced and delicious meal with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra flavor).
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Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Season with a little salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Combine and Bake:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Drizzle with honey (if using) for a touch of sweetness.
- Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges for a burst of fresh lime flavor.
- Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- For extra heat, sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning or chili flakes over the chicken before baking.
- You can also swap the vegetables for your favorites, like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 330kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g3
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg