Name: One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 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; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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If you’re searching for a meal that is flavorful, effortlessly impressive, and requires barely any cleanup, let me introduce you to One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken. This recipe is a weeknight hero— juicy chicken breasts bathed in a bold Cajun lime marinade, roasted together with sweet bell peppers and red onion until everything is tender, colorful, and ridiculously delicious. It’s all the zing, spice, and savor you crave, baked up in a single pan and ready to make dinner a total breeze.

One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is how a handful of basic ingredients transform into something truly memorable. Each part of this recipe brings an essential taste, texture, or burst of color— so nothing’s here by accident!

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up all those Cajun and lime flavors.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade cling to every inch of the chicken and veggies.
Cajun seasoning: Packs in smoky, spicy notes and makes the dish unmistakably bold.
Garlic powder: For that mellow, savory depth that balances the tangy lime.
Paprika: Lends a gorgeous red hue and a subtle warmth.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the heat from the Cajun spice.
Lime zest and juice: Zest keeps things aromatic while fresh lime juice brings bright acidity— they’re the heartbeat of this dish!
Honey: Just a touch for sweetness to balance out the spices and citrus.
Red and green bell peppers: Deliver color, crunch, and a natural sweetness after roasting.
Red onion: Offers up mellow flavor, gorgeous color, and a bit of caramelized bite when roasted.
Fresh cilantro: The perfect finishing touch— bright, herby, and visually vibrant.

How to Make One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Start by stirring together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. This punchy marinade is the secret behind that signature One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken flavor— it packs in heat, sweetness, and zingy freshness all at once.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Use tongs or your hands to toss everything so the chicken gets evenly coated. Even a quick 15-minute soak in this flavorful blend makes a difference, but if you’ve got extra time before baking, let it marinate up to 8 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Arrange Everything on the Pan

Line a baking sheet or use a large oven-safe skillet and lay your marinated chicken breasts in the center. Surround them with the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle any extra marinade right over the top— you don’t want to lose a drop!

Step 4: Time to Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the veggies are roasted and tender. For those irresistible crispy, golden edges, pop the pan under the broiler for a quick 2 to 3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over everything right before serving. This final touch is not just pretty, it gives the whole One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken a bright, fresh lift.

How to Serve One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken

Garnishes

A big shower of chopped cilantro is a must for this dish, adding a verdant pop of flavor. Want even more zing? Try scattering extra fresh lime wedges for squeezing at the table, or a light dusting of extra Cajun seasoning for heat seekers.

Side Dishes

This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is fantastic with fluffy white or brown rice that soaks up all those pan juices. You can also go for roasted potatoes, a warm tortilla wrap, or a cool avocado salad. Anything that complements the bold, tangy-sweet flavors will shine right alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and layer it into warm tortillas for quick Cajun lime tacos, or toss slices atop a big bowl of mixed greens with the roasted veggies for a salad that’s anything but boring. You could even pile everything into a grain bowl with black beans, corn, and a scoop of guacamole for a new spin on dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making lunch the next day a real treat.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and veggies together for meal prep! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too— just be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here. Just note the cook time may need a few minutes’ adjustment since thighs are generally juicier and a bit thinner than breasts.

Is there a way to make One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken less spicy?

Yes! Simply use less Cajun seasoning, or opt for a mild variety. You can also add a bit more honey or serve the finished dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to tone down the heat.

Can I prep the vegetables ahead of time?

Definitely. You can slice the peppers and onions up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to assemble your pan.

What should I do if I don’t have fresh limes?

Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch for the marinade, though fresh lime zest is hard to replace for aroma. If you don’t have fresh, just use a tiny splash of lemon juice along with bottled lime for a boost.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check—the internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest piece; the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in need of a speedy weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends with a punch of flavor, One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken is going to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch that single pan disappear— juicy chicken, roasted veggies, and all that zippy, smoky goodness are just too good to resist!

One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pan Cajun Lime Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that incorporates zesty lime, Cajun spices, and tender vegetables, all cooked together for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

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

For the Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and honey.
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl or bag, pour marinade over, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Arrange and bake: Spread marinated chicken on a baking sheet, add bell peppers and onion, drizzle remaining marinade, bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
Broil and serve: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a charred finish, garnish with cilantro, and serve with preferred sides.