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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. You can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer. For Cajun seasoning, homemade works well. You can mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Olive oil adds flavor, but any cooking oil works. For rice, long-grain white is best, but brown rice is a healthier option. If you want a kick, add more Cajun seasoning. Always choose fresh veggies. Bright colors mean more flavor. Pick firm bell peppers and onions that feel heavy. For garlic, choose plump cloves. When fresh herbs are available, use them over dried ones. They add a pop of flavor and color. Fresh parsley not only garnishes but enhances taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need chicken, rice, veggies, and spices. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. This step packs your dish with flavor. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook until brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the rice and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This toasts the rice and adds depth. Now, pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Mix well. Bring this to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and return the brown chicken to the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. The rice cooks and absorbs all the flavors. After 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender. If it is, stir in the frozen peas. Cover the pot again for another 5 minutes. This warms the peas through. Once done, remove the pot from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your one pot Cajun chicken and rice! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Parsley adds a nice touch. Consider adding thyme for a deeper taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish too. Serve with hot sauce for some extra heat. One big mistake is overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on it and follow timing. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken enough. Make sure you coat it well with Cajun seasoning. Lastly, don’t skip the step of toasting the rice. This adds depth and richness. If you use brown rice, increase the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Adjust the liquid amount too; you might need more broth. If using larger chicken pieces, cook them longer for safety. Always check that chicken is fully cooked before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild variant to suit your taste. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up slightly. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different take on this classic recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great in this dish. Just add it later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking. You can also use sausage, like andouille, for a smoky taste. For a leaner option, turkey breast can be a good fit. Each protein brings a new layer of flavor to the dish. Want a meat-free version? Simply leave out the chicken. Replace it with hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps all the rich flavors while making it plant-based and filling. Adjust the spices to make the dish your own. Try adding cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding more smoked paprika. Each tweak changes the dish while keeping it delicious. To keep your One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. This helps stop bacteria from growing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Use a medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Stir often until it's hot. You can also microwave it. Place it in a safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice for later. Allow it to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. It will stay good for about three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make Cajun seasoning, mix together a few simple spices. You need: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste Combine these spices in a bowl. This mix gives your dish that classic Cajun kick. Yes, you can make Cajun chicken and rice in advance. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Cajun chicken and rice pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - Coleslaw These sides add freshness and flavor to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! This blog post walks you through making a tasty Cajun chicken and rice dish. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to enhance the flavor. Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Variations let you switch proteins or try vegetarian options. Store leftovers properly and follow reheating tips for great results. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal and avoid common mistakes. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

Cajun Chicken & Rice Delight

A flavorful dish combining seasoned chicken, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  • Stir in the rice and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the browned chicken back into the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and cover the pot for another 5 minutes to heat them through.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve directly from the pot or transfer to a large serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, one-pot meal, rice