If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comes together effortlessly, the One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining zesty lime, smoky Cajun spices, and vibrant bell peppers all baked in one pan, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep or cleanup. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a favorite for its delicious simplicity and colorful presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward but impactful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—not just for taste but for texture and color—making the dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the juicy marinade flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully while keeping it moist.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The bold spice blend that brings warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory undertone enhancing every bite.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides smoky notes and a beautiful red hue.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To bring all those flavors into harmony.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle kick and balancing spice.
- Zest and juice of 2 limes: Offers that bright, tangy punch you’ll love.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness to mellow the spices.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings freshness and a slight earthiness.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Delivers mild sweetness and savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): A fresh, herbaceous finish that ties everything together.
How to Make One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. This marinade is the heart of the dish, marrying spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors into one irresistible mix.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or a zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over them. Toss everything until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those vibrant flavors; if you have time, marinating longer will deepen the taste even more.
Step 3: Arrange chicken and vegetables
Spread the marinated chicken breasts evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet or inside an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers and red onion around the chicken, drizzling any leftover marinade on top. This one-pan approach keeps all the flavors mingling and means less cleanup.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Bake the chicken and veggies for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender. For those who love a little extra char, pop the pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. This finishing touch adds a gorgeous caramelized edge to your meal.
How to Serve One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped cilantro right before serving; this herb adds a burst of color and a refreshing note that balances the spice perfectly. If you want to amp up the citrus, a few extra lime wedges on the side never hurt anyone.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice to soak up all the flavorful juices. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a simple handful of warm tortillas that let you turn this meal into a festive chicken taco night.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken and veggies straight from the pan on the table—everyone can dig in! Alternatively, slice the chicken and layer it over mixed greens for a vibrant salad or pile it atop a grain bowl with black beans and avocado for a colorful, nutrient-packed lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken moist, add a dash of water or chicken broth while reheating, especially if using the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less seasoning or incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
While baking is ideal, you can cook the chicken and veggies on the stovetop using a large skillet—just cook over medium heat until everything is tender and the chicken reaches the correct temperature.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning does not contain any gluten-containing additives. Always check labels to be sure!
What can I do with leftovers besides reheating?
Sliced leftover chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, or grain bowls. You can also toss the veggies into scrambled eggs or blend them into a hearty soup for a whole new meal experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and plenty of options for customization. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it’ll win a spot in your recipe rotation fast and become a new favorite dinner to share.
Print
One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime, honey, and Cajun spices, baked alongside colorful bell peppers and onions for a flavorful, easy, and healthy dinner option. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines vibrant Cajun flavors with fresh citrus for a balanced and delicious main course.
Ingredients
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 and Garnish
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, then toss or seal and shake to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors; for best results, marinate up to 8 hours.
- Arrange Ingredients on Baking Sheet: Spread the marinated chicken breasts on a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe skillet in a single layer. Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers and red onion around the chicken, drizzling any leftover marinade on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Broil for Finish: For a slightly charred finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken and vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve the Cajun lime chicken with your choice of rice, potatoes, or tortillas for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance.
- Slice the cooked chicken to use in tacos, salads, or bowls.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make the dish milder or spicier according to taste.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easier transfer from prep to oven and less cleanup.
