Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers and Cream Cheese Recipe
This flavorful Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with a spicy homemade Cajun blend, baked atop thinly sliced bell peppers, and topped with creamy cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Perfectly baked and optionally broiled to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful balance of spices, creamy textures, and vibrant vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 small bell peppers, thinly sliced (or use mini sweet peppers)
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold, refrigerated, and sliced into 8 slices
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Make Cajun Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well to create your homemade Cajun seasoning.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully for even cooking.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Thinly slice the bell peppers and layer them evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish. This will serve as a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the small chicken breasts on top of the layered bell peppers in the casserole dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Season Chicken: Generously sprinkle the prepared Cajun seasoning all over the chicken breasts. Top the chicken with the minced garlic for added flavor.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place two slices of cold cream cheese on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt during baking and add creaminess.
- Top with Cheddar Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese on each chicken breast to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the chicken for an additional 2 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Use a spatula to scoop the bell peppers from underneath the chicken and arrange them around and on top of the chicken breasts when plating for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Ensure cream cheese is cold before slicing for easier handling and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness for safe consumption.
- Any color bell peppers can be used; mini sweet peppers add extra sweetness and crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
