Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen. It combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful Cajun spices. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is great because it’s quick to cook and uses just a few ingredients. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, making it full of flavor. Plus, you’ll love how it all cooks together in one pot. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd without a lot of hassle.
How to make Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bacon strip
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
Directions
- Start by chopping the onion and garlic. Cut the chicken into even-sized 1-inch pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for about 2 minutes until brown, then remove it from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes until browned, then remove the chicken.
- Sauté the chopped onions for about 3 minutes, then add the garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes with liquid, white rice, and water.
- Mix everything well and add back the chicken and chopped bacon.
- Bring it all to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
How to serve Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Serve this dish warm straight from the pot. You can top it with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
How to store Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Tips to make Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
- Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the bacon; it adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- If you like it extra spicy, consider adding some hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning.
Variation
You can easily switch it up by adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. For a different protein, shrimp can also be used instead of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more water as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The level of spice depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can reduce the amount if you prefer less heat.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the onion and garlic. Cut the chicken into even-sized 1-inch pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for about 2 minutes until brown, then remove it from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes until browned, then remove the chicken.
- Sauté the chopped onions for about 3 minutes, then add the garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes with liquid, white rice, and water.
- Mix everything well and add back the chicken and chopped bacon.
- Bring it all to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.