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Homemade Cajun Chicken Bowls recipe photo

Cajun Chicken Bowls

A vibrant, slightly spicy one-bowl meal with seared Cajun chicken, roasted-style sweet potatoes and peppers, black beans, pineapple, and avocado.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts chopped into 1" pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 large sweet potato (garnet yam) approx. 1 pound, chopped into 1/2" cubes
  • 2 bell peppers any color combo, chopped into 1" pieces
  • 15 oz black beans 1 15-oz can, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz diced fire-roasted tomatoes 1 15-oz can, drained
  • 1/2 fresh pineapple chopped, or more to taste
  • 2 avocados peeled, pitted, sliced or chopped
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1 tsp salt part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1 tsp brown sugar part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper part of Cajun spice mix
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice for citrus mix
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice for citrus mix

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • microwave-safe dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Place the chopped sweet potato in a microwave-safe dish with 1/4 cup water, cover, and microwave 4 minutes until slightly tender; drain and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the citrus mix: soy sauce, orange juice, and lime juice; set aside.
  3. In another small bowl, combine the Cajun spice mix: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Remove 1 tablespoon of this mix and reserve for the potatoes and beans.
  4. Pat the chicken dry and toss with the remaining Cajun spice mix until evenly coated.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer and sear undisturbed 1–2 minutes, flip and sear another 1–2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the citrus mix, reduce heat to medium-high, and continue cooking, stirring, until chicken is cooked through, about 2 more minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  6. Wipe out the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon citrus mix, then add the microwaved sweet potatoes, chopped bell peppers, and the reserved 1 tablespoon Cajun spice mix. Stir to combine, press into a single layer, and cook over medium-high until potatoes begin to char about 2 minutes, then continue cooking 1–2 minutes more until fork-tender. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  7. Add the black beans, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, any remaining citrus mix, and remaining Cajun mix to the skillet over medium-high heat; cook about 2 minutes until warmed through.
  8. Divide the beans and tomatoes, chicken, and potatoes/peppers among 4 bowls. Top with avocado, chopped pineapple, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • The cayenne pepper is optional for milder heat.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning amounts.
  • Microwaving the sweet potato speeds cooking; roast if you prefer.
  • Reserve one tablespoon of the Cajun mix for the vegetables and beans.