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.
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
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!