Description
This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy lime and Cajun spice blend. Baked alongside crisp bell peppers and red onion, this dish offers a perfect balance of spice, zest, and sweetness, making it a satisfying gluten-free main course that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
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 (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Toss or seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Arrange Ingredients: Spread the marinated chicken breasts evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet or an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers and red onion around the chicken. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the vegetables.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Broil (Optional): For a slightly charred finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and veggies. Serve hot with your choice of rice, potatoes, or tortillas.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance to fully absorb the spices and lime.
- The cooked chicken can be sliced and repurposed for tacos, salads, or bowls, making great leftovers.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
