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
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 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.
