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
Scale
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.
