Description
A rich and flavorful one-pan Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy parmesan-infused rice base. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that blends bold Southern flavors with creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Creamy Additions
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oil and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and sear them until golden brown on all sides. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Stir the long-grain white rice into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, ensuring the rice is well coated with the flavorful aromatics.
- Add Broth and Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the seared chicken pieces back to the skillet, stirring gently. Simmer the mixture until the chicken is heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy Cajun chicken and rice with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
