Cajun Chicken and Rice: Bold One-Pan Southern Comfort Meal
By Isabella Quinn
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Cajun chicken and rice is an easy weeknight dish with spiced chicken and other flavors. One-pot cajun chicken and rice with chicken thighs and spiced rice is an appropriate weeknight dish. Other ingredients and cooking methods make cajun chicken and rice a tasty Southern dish. Adding lemon juice at the end of cooking may enhance the flavor of the dish. Sides that complement this dish include cornbread and coleslaw.
Ingredients
- •1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- •1 tbsp olive oil
- •1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- •½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- •¼ tsp black pepper
- •1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- •1 small yellow onion (diced)
- •1 red bell pepper (diced)
- •1 green bell pepper (diced)
- •3 cloves garlic (minced)
- •1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- •2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- •1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- •¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- •chopped parsley (for garnish)
- •green onions (for garnish)
- •lemon wedges (optional, for a bright finish)
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- 4
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp more oil.
- 5
Sauté the diced onion and bell peppers for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
- 6
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- 7
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir and toast for 1 minute.
- 8
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the additional Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- 9
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet.
- 10
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes.
- 11
Remove from heat. Let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- 12
Fluff the rice, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
430
Calories
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