Savory chunks of seared chicken thigh and sliced smoky sausage are tossed with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a bold Cajun spice blend. This meal features a light, shimmering sauce made from pan drippings and chicken broth, coating the meat and vegetables in a dark, seasoned glaze. Served hot, the dish provides a rustic and textured experience with a warm, smoky aroma and a mild peppery finish.

About This Recipe

The chicken thighs are cut into uniform pieces and seared in a hot skillet until they develop a browned, toasted crust. Once the chicken is removed, the sliced sausage is added to the pan to release its oils, which then act as the base for cooking the sliced onions and bell peppers. As the vegetables soften, they pick up the darkened bits from the bottom of the pan, pulling the meat juices into the rest of the mixture.

The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika are stirred directly into the pan oils before a splash of chicken broth is added to lift the remaining flavors. This liquid gathers the spices into a thin, glossy coating that sticks to the meat and peppers. Returning the chicken to the skillet allows it to finish cooking in the simmering broth alongside the garlic and black pepper.

You’ll see the bright red and green pepper strips mixed with the browned chicken and rounds of sausage, all resting in a shallow pool of dark sauce. The scent of toasted garlic and wood-smoke is immediate, and the dish has a glistening, colorful appearance on the plate. The firm bite of the sausage contrasts with the tender chicken, and the combination of spices and vegetables provides a warm, peppery aroma as the dish is served.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Cajun flavor
  • One-pan keto dinner
  • No rice or pasta
  • High-protein and filling
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Great for leftovers
  • Family-friendly heat level

What You’ll Need for This Keto Cajun Chicken & Sausage Skillet

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (sugar-free)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup chicken broth

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and sear for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Add onion and bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and glossy.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

FAQ

  • Is this recipe spicy?
    It has mild to medium heat. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
  • Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
    Yes, but thighs stay juicier.
  • Does this reheat well?
    Yes, it reheats very well.
  • Can I make it dairy-free?
    Yes, this recipe contains no dairy.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use andouille-style sausage for more smoke
  • Add chili flakes for extra heat
  • Swap bell peppers for zucchini
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken (adjust cook time)

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with cauliflower rice
  • Pair with sautéed green beans
  • Enjoy on its own

Keto Cajun Chicken & Sausage Skillet

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 510
Juicy chicken and smoky sausage cooked with bold Cajun seasoning in one skillet. A hearty keto dinner with classic Southern comfort food flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken thighs)
  • 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup chicken broth

Instructions 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken pieces and sear for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned.
  • Add onion and bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  • Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and glossy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Calories: 510kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken sausage skillet keto, keto cajun chicken, low carb cajun dinner

Did you make this recipe?


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Author

I share simple, everyday recipes that I cook in my own kitchen, focused on food that's easy, satisfying, and realistic for busy routines.

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