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Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
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Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of bold flavor and creamy texture, making it an ideal dinner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice (or brown rice, see variations)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, herbs)

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut milk/cashew cream for dairy-free)

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken and vegetables: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Dice the bell peppers and onions, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Cook the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add rice and broth: Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 15-20 minutes (longer if using brown rice).
  5. Finish with cream and combine: Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Do not skip searing the chicken to lock in juices and add depth of flavor.
  • Add cream at the end and simmer briefly to prevent curdling.
  • Use long-grain or jasmine rice for fluffy texture; brown rice requires longer cooking time.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, adding salt or extra spice if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken, Cajun Chicken and Rice, One-Pan Cajun Dinner, Spicy Creamy Chicken, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://withnora.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-rice/