Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is a bold, comforting one-pan dish packed with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy rice. With just the right amount of Cajun heat and rich, cheesy goodness, this easy dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and cooked chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and creamy. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add spinach or peas at the end for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken rice, one pot cajun chicken, cheesy cajun rice, easy chicken and rice, cajun comfort food