A delicious and creamy Cajun chicken and rice dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy sauce for a delightful dinner.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Cajun
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste (if needed)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using). Cook for 2–3 more minutes until everything is hot and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.