Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a comforting and quick one-pot meal combining tender, spiced chicken with a rich creamy sauce and fluffy rice, infused with bold Cajun flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Produce
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or dairy-free substitute like coconut milk or cashew cream)
Cooking Fat
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then generously season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, scraping up browned bits left from the chicken.
- Cook the Rice: Stir the rice into the vegetables and toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream and Return Chicken: Pour heavy cream (or chosen substitute) into the skillet with rice and veggies, mixing well. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken finishes cooking through.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if preferred.
Notes
- Use fresh or homemade Cajun seasoning for best flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken; sear just until golden.
- Toast rice before simmering to enhance its nuttiness.
- Adjust the amount of cream based on how saucy you want the dish.
- Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to meld flavors.
- Can substitute brown rice but adjust cooking time and liquid.
- For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or corn can be added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Thirty-five g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken, Cajun Chicken and Rice, One Pot Cajun Dinner, Quick Cajun Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food Chicken
