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Cajun Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.3 from 88 reviews

A flavorful Cajun Chicken Skillet recipe that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, and sautéed okra. Cooked in a dutch oven and skillet, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness, finished with fresh green onions for a delicious, hearty meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced into 2” pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced into 2” pieces
  • 1 sweet onion, diced into 1” pieces
  • 2 ribs celery, sliced into 1” pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 14.5-oz can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
  • ½ cup chicken broth (plus 1 tbsp for adjustments)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 8 oz fresh okra, ends trimmed and chopped into 2” pieces
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cajun Seasoning: Portion out all the cajun seasoning ingredients together in a bowl, adjusting the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add diced green and red bell peppers, onion, celery, and the cajun seasoning. Toss well to coat everything in the oil and spices. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 10 minutes. If the pan dries out and spices start to burn, add a tablespoon of chicken broth to keep the mixture moist.
  3. Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic to the dutch oven and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it well among the sautéed vegetables to deepen the flavor.
  4. Cook Chicken and Simmer: Add the diced chicken breasts, crushed fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, ½ cup chicken broth, and sea salt to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly. Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, which takes about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Prepare Okra: While the chicken simmers, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped okra and toss it in the oil. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the okra is golden brown, tender, and the sliminess has cooked off, about 10-12 minutes.
  6. Combine Okra and Chicken Mixture: Add the sautéed okra to the dutch oven with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the flavors together.
  7. Serve: Spoon the Cajun chicken and okra mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with the thinly sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level to control the heat.
  • If the vegetable mixture dries out during sautéing, add a tablespoon of chicken broth to prevent burning.
  • Cooking okra separately helps reduce its natural sliminess while adding a nice golden texture.
  • This dish pairs best with steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact in the cajun seasoning mix.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun