If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both fresh and indulgent, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe. It combines the smoky, spicy warmth of Cajun seasoning with bright, zesty lime and a touch of honey sweetness, all roasted alongside colorful bell peppers and onions in one effortless pan. Not only is it an absolute feast for your taste buds, but cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simple ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding zing, heat, or vibrant color that turns this dish into a complete sensory delight.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all those bold flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and everything else from sticking as it roasts.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Provides the essential smoky, spicy backbone to make the dish truly Cajun.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an aromatic depth without overpowering the lime’s brightness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Boosts color and warmth for a beautiful roasted finish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and balances sweetness and acidity.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that sharpens the spices.
- Zest and juice of 2 limes: Infuses the dish with refreshing citrus tang that brightens and balances the Cajun heat.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to mellow the spice and acidity.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Bright, crisp sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers freshness and a mild peppery crunch.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Sweetness and a touch of sharpness that caramelizes wonderfully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Offers an herbaceous finish that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for roasting. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. This magical blend is where all the flavors marry and intensify. Place your chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss until every piece is well coated. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes—longer if possible—to let those flavors sink deep.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables for Roasting
Take a large rimmed baking sheet or an oven-safe skillet and lay out the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer. Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers and red onion around the chicken. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover marinade over the veggies and chicken for extra flavor throughout. This one-pan setup means the chicken juices mingle with the vegetables as they roast, creating incredible depth and harmony in every bite.
Step 3: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and your peppers and onions are tender but still vibrant. For a final touch of char and that irresistible smoky edge, switch your oven to broil and give it 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye so nothing burns—this step really elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is your go-to garnish for this dish. It adds the perfect herbal freshness that complements the spicy, tangy profile of the chicken. Feel free to squeeze a little extra lime juice over everything just before serving for even more zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm tortillas. Each side helps soak up the flavorful pan drippings and balances the spice beautifully. If you crave greens, a crisp simple salad or sautéed greens with garlic works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken and add it to tacos or grain bowls with avocado, black beans, and corn salsa. You can also shred it and toss with extra lime juice and herbs to serve as a zesty sandwich filling. The versatility of this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is one of the many reasons it’s a favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often mellow and meld even more, making for excellent next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. If using the microwave, cover and heat in short bursts to keep it juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and can handle longer cooking times without drying out. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor the internal temperature.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning choice. It’s flavorful with a noticeable kick but not overpowering. You can easily reduce or increase the seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Can this recipe be made without an oven?
While baking is ideal, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a large skillet on the stovetop. Just cook the chicken first, then add the veggies and cover to cook through gently.
What can I substitute for fresh lime if I don’t have any?
Lime zest and juice bring brightness that is hard to replicate, but you can use lemon zest and juice in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different but still fresh and tangy.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters, as long as your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe a try because it truly delivers big flavors with minimal fuss. From the citrusy punch balanced by the Cajun spices, to the ease of roasting everything together, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration any day of the week. Enjoy every juicy, colorful bite and happy cooking!
Print
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy Cajun lime mixture, baked alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onion. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines spicy, zesty, and slightly sweet flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey, mixing well to create a balanced marinade bursting with flavor.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the marinated chicken breasts on a large rimmed baking sheet or an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced red onion around the chicken, pouring any leftover marinade over the top for extra taste.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Broil for Finish: For a charred, crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken and vegetables for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve hot with your choice of side dishes such as rice, potatoes, or tortillas.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in advance.
- This recipe works great for leftovers—slice the chicken and use it in tacos, salads, or bowls.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to match your preferred spice level.
