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One-Pan Pepper and Citrus Chicken

This dish features chicken cooked with colorful bell peppers, seasoned with paprika and cumin, and finished with a splash of lime juice. It is prepared entirely in a single skillet, resulting in tender meat and slightly caramelized vegetables with vibrant flavors and a glossy finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips or cubes
  • 2 bell peppers bell peppers any colors, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lime lime juiced, plus wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Start by slicing the bell peppers into thin strips and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This prep makes everything cook evenly and quickly.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and spread them out in an even layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is golden brown on the edges and cooked through.
  4. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the sliced bell peppers to the empty space. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize around the edges, releasing sweet aroma.
  5. Combine the chicken and peppers in the skillet, stirring to mix evenly, and sprinkle over the paprika and cumin. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes as flavors meld and the peppers become tender.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.