Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender chicken pieces seared with bold Cajun seasoning, sautéed vegetables, and long-grain white rice cooked to perfection in a velvety blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful, one-skillet meal perfect for a satisfying dinner with family or friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dairy
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven by heating it over medium-high heat, ready for searing the chicken and cooking the dish.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. Add olive oil to the hot skillet and brown the chicken until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice to the softened vegetables, coating the grains with the aromatic mixture in the skillet.
- Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Reintroduce Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the cooked rice. Simmer gently until the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, blending well to create a rich, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken and rice onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot to enjoy the full flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred level of spice.
- You can substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine or basmati for a different aromatic touch.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding cream and cheese.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though this will reduce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
