Description
A simple, one-pot recipe for tender chicken and rice cooked in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the vegetables and seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is mostly tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the dry spices.
- If you do not have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Use leftover cooked rice if you prefer a faster method; skip steps 4, 5, and 6, and add the cooked rice with the chicken in step 7.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 150