Embark on a culinary journey with our Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers—a tantalizing blend of cayenne kick, savory herbs, and creamy cheeses. This dish transforms ordinary chicken into a spicy sensation, as bell peppers add a burst of color and freshness. Perfect for those craving bold flavors without sacrificing simplicity, this recipe promises a delightful feast for your taste buds.
The inspiration for our Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers came from a quest to elevate everyday chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Picture the sizzle of Cajun spices dancing with bell peppers, the creaminess of cold slices of cream cheese, and the gooey perfection of shredded cheddar. As this dish bakes, it transforms into a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table craving more.
Why This Cajun Chicken Shines:
Cajun Spice Symphony: A custom blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt creates a Cajun seasoning that elevates the chicken to new levels of spicy perfection.
Pepper Power: Thinly sliced bell peppers not only add vibrant colors but also infuse each bite with a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness.
Creamy Indulgence: Cold slices of cream cheese, when baked, turn into a creamy layer that melds with the chicken, creating pockets of rich decadence.
Ingredients:
Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chicken:
- 2 bell peppers, small, thinly sliced (or use mini sweet peppers)
- 4 chicken breasts, small
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold, refrigerated, and sliced into 8 slices
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
How to make Cajun chicken seasoning:
- Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Mix to combine.
Cajun Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place thinly sliced bell peppers on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Arrange chicken breasts on top (allowing the peppers to cook underneath the chicken).
- Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning all over the chicken breasts.
- Top with minced garlic.
- Place 2 slices of cold cream cheese on each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Broil for 2 minutes if desired.
- To serve, scoop the bell peppers from underneath the chicken, placing them evenly around and on top.
Notes:
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
- Experiment with different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing presentation.
