Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, about 24 ounces; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Additional olive oil as needed (up to 1 tablespoon); 1/2 medium red onion, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 bell peppers, any color combo, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Picture tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich, spiced cream sauce, loaded with vibrant bell peppers and sweet cherry tomatoes—that’s exactly what the Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe offers. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting creaminess and lively Cajun flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

The image shows four browned pieces of chicken inside a shiny silver pan, each piece sitting in a thick, creamy sauce with soft orange and red chunks of vegetables. The sauce is spread evenly, covering the pan bottom and surrounding each chicken piece. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled across the chicken and sauce, adding contrast. A shiny gold spoon rests on the side of the pan handle. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it’s both straightforward and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce coated with bold Cajun spices and fresh bell peppers makes it feel fancy without any fuss.

Bold Cajun Flavor: The blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs brings that classic Cajun kick without overwhelming the dish.
Creamy Comfort: Heavy cream and Parmesan come together for a luscious sauce that makes every bite indulgent.
Fresh Veggie Goodness: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and garlic add brightness and texture, preventing it from feeling too heavy.
One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup and quick cooking make this recipe perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

The image shows three pieces of browned, cooked chicken placed in a pan filled with creamy sauce. The sauce is light beige with visible small pieces of orange and red vegetables, possibly bell peppers or tomatoes, giving it a chunky texture. The chicken pieces have a textured, crispy surface with herbs sprinkled on top. A gold-colored spoon is resting in the pan on a white marbled background. The dish looks rich and savory with the sauce coating both the chicken and the pan bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about the ingredients that make this recipe sing. The Cajun seasonings are the star here—smoked paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs build layers of flavor. Fresh bell peppers and tomatoes balance the spice, while the cream and Parmesan provide that irresistible silky richness.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with natural texture, a small white bowl of plain flour, a few pats of fresh butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, small white bowls each containing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, half a medium red onion chopped into chunks, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with halved ripe cherry tomatoes, two chopped bell peppers in red and yellow colors, four whole garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, and a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose large, thick pieces so when sliced and pounded, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Flour: Helps create a light crust on the seasoned chicken and thickens the sauce.
Butter and olive oil: A combo that gives you flavorful browning without burning.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These deliver that warm, smoky Cajun base.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout, don’t skimp here.
Dried oregano and thyme: Add a subtle herbal note in the background.
Cayenne pepper: Provides that signature Cajun heat—adjust to taste.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth, especially when softened.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst of juicy acidity that brightens the sauce.
Bell peppers: Crispy and colorful, they bring freshness and texture.
Garlic cloves: No Cajun dish is complete without garlic’s pungent punch.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory flavor without overpowering.
Cornstarch: The secret to a luxuriously thick sauce without heaviness.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce dreamy and rich—evaporated milk can work if you want a lighter twist.
Lime juice: Just a splash at the end to wake up all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending salty depth and silkiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level or swap veggies for what you have on hand. Making this your own is part of the fun!

Variation: One time, I swapped the heavy cream for evaporated milk with a bit more cornstarch for a lighter sauce that still hit the mark beautifully.
Spice it up: Feel free to add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you like it fiery.
Vegetable swaps: Zucchini or mushrooms can replace bell peppers if you want a different texture or flavor.
Protein swap: This sauce is fantastic over shrimp or even pork chops for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken To Perfection

Mix all the Cajun spices in a shallow dish and set aside one tablespoon for later—that reserved bit adds an extra kick when building the sauce. Then, whisk the flour into the rest of the spice mix—this coats the chicken and creates that lovely crust. Slice your chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound them to even thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Pat the chicken dry before dredging so the seasoning sticks well.

Step 2: Sear Those Chicken Cutlets

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—wait until it’s really hot but not smoking. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping just once to get that nice golden crust. The smell at this point is irresistible! Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate but don’t clean the skillet—you’ll build your sauce right there in those flavorful bits left behind.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build Your Sauce

Check if your skillet has enough oil; add a little if needed to make about a tablespoon. Toss in the chopped red onions first, letting them soften for 3 minutes. Then add cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, and the reserved Cajun seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes so the veggies start to soften and the spices bloom.

Step 4: Make That Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in half of the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Meanwhile, whisk the rest of the broth with cornstarch until smooth and add it to the pan along with the heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently as it thickens, stirring every now and then—you'll notice it turn rich and velvety.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese, Lime & Chicken

Turn the heat down to low and stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted into the sauce—this is where it gets truly decadent. Add a splash of lime juice to brighten everything up, then nestle your cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let it warm through for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne to your liking.

Top Tip

I’ve found that the key to ultimate flavor in this Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is in layering the spices and not rushing the sauce. Letting the veggies stew gently with the seasoning before adding the cream unlocks so much depth—and always use freshly grated Parmesan, no pre-grated bags, for the best melt and flavor.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding your chicken evenly ensures it cooks uniformly, so no dry edges or underdone meat.
Never Skip the Resting: Let the chicken rest briefly on the plate before adding it back into the sauce; it locks in juices.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent cream from curdling and to develop richness.
Adjust Heat Last: Add cayenne or salt only after tasting the finished sauce to avoid overpowering the delicate balance.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually toss a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal note. Sometimes I add a few lime wedges on the side—squeezing a bit of extra lime juice just before eating adds that zesty brightness I crave.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this creamy Cajun chicken is over a bed of mashed potatoes—the sauce soaks right in and it’s pure comfort. I’ve also enjoyed it with buttery jasmine rice or just some crusty garlic bread to mop up that luscious sauce. A simple green salad or strawberry salad adds a fresh, sweet contrast that’s delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated the chicken over creamy polenta with the peppers and sauce artistically draped over. This elevates the dish with a restaurant-style presentation. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds a touch of elegance if you’re hosting friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the sauce thickens slightly, which actually makes reheating even creamier. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish but keep in mind the cream sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. I recommend freezing without the cream, then adding it fresh when reheating. Otherwise, freezing in smaller portions helps it reheat more evenly with minimal texture changes.

Reheating

I reheat Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. This helps preserve the sauce’s silky texture. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken broth or cream smooths it back out beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts work best for even cooking and tender texture, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and can be tuned to your preference by adjusting the cayenne pepper amount. If you prefer mild, use less cayenne or omit it altogether. For those who love heat, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make the sauce dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavors will still be wonderful but with a slightly different richness.

What’s the best way to serve leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken?

Leftovers are fantastic heated gently and served over rice, pasta, or even inside a warm tortilla for a quick Cajun chicken wrap. Adding some fresh greens or a simple salad rounds it out into a satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate to me. It’s deceptively simple yet packed with personality and flavor—perfect for impressing yourself or friends without breaking a sweat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how those beautiful layers of spice, cream, and fresh veggies come together. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your regular rotation!