If you love bold flavors with minimal fuss, the One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. This dish perfectly balances the smoky, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with vibrant citrus notes from fresh lime, all cooked together in a single pan for a juicy, tender chicken meal. It’s colorful, packed with veggies, and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing the delicious flavor and texture of this dish. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s the Cajun seasoning bringing spice, lime juice adding brightness, or the bell peppers providing a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook perfectly in one pan.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is the heart of the recipe, delivering depth and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for marinating and searing, it helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed): Adds a zesty, refreshing citrus punch that brightens the dish.
- Zest of 1 lime: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings that irresistible savory depth that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Sweet and colorful, it softens in the pan for a tender bite.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds color contrast and a slightly grassy flavor for balance.
- 1 red onion (sliced): Caramelizes slightly to contribute sweetness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness): Just a touch to mellow out the spices and brighten the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Fresh, fragrant, and adds a pop of green at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings to enhance and highlight all the other flavors.
How to Make One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic starts here. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse. Rub it generously over the chicken breasts and let them soak up all that goodness for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to two hours in the fridge deepens the flavor even more, so don’t skip this step when you can.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking. Meanwhile, place a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat and warm a tablespoon of olive oil. This preheating ensures a perfect sear on your chicken breasts—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Breasts
Once your pan is hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken breasts carefully. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until you see that beautiful golden-brown crust forming. This sear locks in moisture and flavor. After searing, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside temporarily.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same pan, toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers along with the red onion. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them, then sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to soften just slightly so they maintain a lovely texture after baking while soaking up those tasty browned bits left in the pan.
Step 5: Bake Everything Together
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them among the colorful peppers and onions. If you like a hint of sweetness, drizzle the honey over this mixture now. This final step bakes the chicken through and lets the flavors mingle beautifully. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, pull the pan out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Add extra lime wedges alongside for those who love an extra citrus kick. Serve it hot and watch your guests swoon over this vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal.
How to Serve One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic and lovely finishing touch for this dish, adding a bright herbal note that complements the Cajun spices and lime beautifully. Lime wedges on the side invite everyone to personalize their flavor with an extra splash of citrus. You can also try a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky finish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes makes the meal heartier. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus adds a refreshing contrast to the spice and richness of the chicken. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zoodles are excellent complements that soak up the flavorful pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an informal feast, serve the chicken and veggies straight from the pan—rustic and inviting. Alternatively, plate the chicken slices atop a bed of rice and arrange the colorful peppers and onions artistically on the side for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the look even more for a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
Want to prep in advance? This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then pack the chicken and veggies into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot throughout. If reheating in a pan, a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and quick preparation, thighs can add more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. It typically offers a medium heat with smokiness. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of seasoning, or if you want it hotter, add a pinch of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños.
Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as long as your Cajun seasoning does not contain additives with gluten. Always check labels to be safe, but it’s a great option for many dietary needs.
Is it okay to skip the honey?
Definitely. Honey is optional and just adds a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors. If you prefer savory dishes only, you can leave it out without compromising the overall taste.
What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?
An oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan works beautifully here. It allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and transfer everything directly to the oven without extra dishes or fuss.
Final Thoughts
The One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is one of those incredibly satisfying dishes that brings together convenience, flavor, and vibrant colors effortlessly. It’s perfect for nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own by adding your favorite touches. Once you master this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your cooking routine!
Print
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of Cajun seasoning, lime, and garlic, then seared and baked alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onion. Quick and easy to prepare, this flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes, making it a delicious weeknight meal served with your favorite grains or salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and marinate chicken: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat oven and heat skillet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the chicken: Place marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced red onion. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Bake chicken with vegetables: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan among the sautéed vegetables. Drizzle the mixture with honey if using, for a hint of sweetness. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Garnish the chicken and vegetables with freshly chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges for added zest. Serve hot alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavors.
- For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Honey is optional but adds a nice balance to the heat of the Cajun spices.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- You can substitute bell peppers and onions with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms if desired.
