Introduction & Inspiration

Get ready for a weeknight dinner hero that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to assemble! This Cajun Chicken and Peppers Bake takes simple chicken breasts, coats them in a vibrant homemade Cajun spice blend, and bakes them over a bed of sweet bell peppers. A creamy layer of cream cheese and a melty cheddar topping make it extra comforting and delicious.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from wanting a simple baked chicken dish with a bold, zesty kick. Making your own quick Cajun seasoning blend is super easy and lets you control the spice level, while the combination of sweet peppers and creamy, tangy cheese perfectly balances the heat.

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves flavorful, low-effort meals. It requires minimal prep, uses basic ingredients, and the oven handles the cooking, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas. It is a perfect family friendly recipe.

Nostalgic Appeal / Comfort Factor

Baked chicken dishes featuring melted cheese are classic comfort food. Adding Cajun spices introduces a layer of lively, warm flavor often associated with comforting Southern and Creole cooking – think jambalaya or étouffée, but much simpler! The sweet bell peppers provide a familiar, pleasing base.

This recipe combines the ultimate comfort of cheesy baked chicken with the exciting, slightly spicy notes of Cajun seasoning. It feels both satisfyingly homey and pleasantly zesty, a great way to add some excitement to the dinner table.

It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers familiar textures with a flavorful twist, perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week. A perfect dish to share.

Homemade Focus (Spice Blend & Assembly)

While incredibly straightforward, this recipe’s homemade charm lies in mixing your own simple Cajun spice blend and assembling the dish with fresh ingredients. Combining paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt allows you to customize the flavor profile and heat level easily.

You’re using fresh bell peppers and garlic, layering them with the seasoned chicken and cheeses right in your baking dish. Even though the process is simple assembly, preparing these components yourself results in a fresh, flavorful homemade meal.

It highlights how easy it is to create a dish with distinct, bold flavors from scratch using common pantry spices and simple layering techniques. The homemade seasoning blend is delicious.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a delicious balance between the smoky, slightly spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, the sweet tenderness of the baked bell peppers, and the creamy, tangy, cheesy topping. The chicken should be juicy and fully infused with the spice blend and garlic.

The bell peppers, softened underneath the chicken, provide moisture and sweetness to counteract the spices. The cream cheese melts into a tangy, creamy layer, while the cheddar adds sharpness and a bubbly golden crust (especially if broiled).

The overall experience should be savory, zesty, sweet, creamy, and cheesy, with tender chicken and soft peppers in every bite. A perfect balance between flavour and texture.

Ingredient Insights

Cajun Seasoning Components:
- Paprika: Provides color and mild sweetness/smokiness (using smoked paprika enhances this).
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds the primary heat. Adjust amount based on preference.
- Oregano & Thyme (Dried): Classic herbs providing earthy, aromatic notes common in Cajun/Creole blends.
- Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
Bell Peppers (Small, Thinly Sliced): Any color works (red, yellow, orange are sweeter than green). Thin slicing helps them soften nicely under the chicken. Mini sweet peppers are also a great option.
Chicken Breasts (Small): Using smaller breasts (or pounding larger ones thin) ensures they cook through evenly in the specified time without drying out.
Garlic (Minced): Adds essential savory flavor rubbed directly onto the chicken.
Cream Cheese (Cold, Sliced): Provides the tangy, creamy layer. Using it cold and sliced allows it to melt more gradually over the chicken during baking, perhaps preventing it from becoming too oily compared to spreading softened cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Adds sharp cheesy flavor and creates the golden topping. Mild, medium, or sharp works.

Essential Equipment

Baking Dish (9×13 inch suggested, or size appropriate for chicken): Needs to hold chicken and peppers comfortably.
Small Bowl: For mixing the Cajun spices.
Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing peppers, mincing garlic.
Measuring Spoons:

Ingredients

(Based on 1x column)

Cajun Seasoning:

▢ 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked)
▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
▢ ¼ teaspoon oregano (dried)
▢ ¼ teaspoon thyme (dried)
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

Main Dish:

▢ 2 small bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color, or use mini sweet peppers)
▢ 4 small chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 6 oz cream cheese, kept cold and sliced into 8 slices
▢ ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
▢ Salt & black pepper (additional, to taste for chicken)

Garnish (Optional):

▢ Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make Cajun Seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well to create your Cajun seasoning blend. Set aside.

2. Prepare Oven and Dish:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish (or similar size) with cooking spray or lightly grease with oil.

3. Layer Peppers and Chicken:

Spread the thinly sliced bell peppers evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Place the small chicken breasts directly on top of the peppers in a single layer.

4. Season Chicken and Add Garlic:

Generously sprinkle the prepared Cajun seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken breasts. Use tongs to flip the chicken as needed. You might not need to use all the seasoning, depending on your preference.
Sprinkle additional salt and black pepper over the chicken, to taste.
Top the chicken breasts evenly with the minced garlic, rubbing it in gently.

5. Top with Cheeses:

Place 2 slices of the cold cream cheese onto each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cream cheese and chicken.

6. Bake:

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

7. Broil (Optional):

If you desire a more golden-brown and bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven setting to Broil (High).
Place the dish under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning, until the cheese reaches your desired color.

8. Serve:

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes.
To serve, scoop some of the cooked bell peppers from underneath the chicken and place them alongside or on top of the chicken breasts on each plate.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!

Troubleshooting

Chicken Dry: Overbaked. Use smaller/thinner chicken breasts as suggested, or pound thicker ones even. Use a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) and check at the lower end of the time range.
Peppers Undercooked/Too Crisp: Sliced too thickly, or oven temp too low. Ensure thin slices. If preferred very soft, you could sauté them briefly before layering.
Cream Cheese Didn’t Melt Nicely/Oily: Using cold slices helps it melt more gradually. Full-fat cream cheese works best. High oven heat can sometimes cause cheese to separate slightly.
Topping Burnt During Broiling: Broiler too close or left too long. Watch constantly! 1-2 minutes is usually maximum needed.
Dish Too Spicy/Bland: Adjust cayenne pepper in seasoning blend. Ensure adequate salt and pepper were used on chicken. Flavor also depends on potency of spices.

Tips and Variations

Small/Thin Chicken: Using smaller breasts or pounding larger ones thin is key for even cooking within the specified time.
Cold Cream Cheese Slices: An interesting technique, likely to help it melt evenly without becoming greasy too quickly. Don’t use whipped cream cheese.
Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the ratios in the Cajun seasoning, or use a favorite store-bought blend (about 1.5 – 2 teaspoons total).
Add Onions: Layer sliced onions along with the bell peppers for extra flavor.
Different Peppers: Use poblano peppers (mild heat) or even add some sliced jalapeño for more kick.
Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or Provolone instead of or mixed with the cheddar. Add Parmesan for extra saltiness.
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work well, may need slightly longer cooking time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Hot: Best enjoyed warm from the oven with the melted cheese.
With Rice: Plain white rice or cilantro-lime rice is perfect for soaking up juices.
With Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes are great comforting sides.
With a Salad: A simple green salad provides a fresh contrast.
Low-Carb Meal: Serve as is or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Estimated, per serving, assuming 4 servings from 4 small breasts. Variable based on chicken size, cheese type/amount.)

Calories: 400-550
Fat: 25-40g
Saturated Fat: 12-20g
Cholesterol: 150-200mg
Sodium: 500-800mg+ (depending on added salt and cheese)
Total Carbohydrates: 4-8g
Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
Sugars: 2-5g (mostly from peppers)
Protein: 40-55g

Easy Cajun Chicken and Peppers Bake

Make this flavorful and Easy Cajun Chicken and Peppers Bake! Features chicken breasts seasoned with a homemade Cajun blend, baked over bell peppers, and topped with cream cheese and cheddar.

Author: Grace