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Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice One Pot Meal

A white bowl filled with Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice One Pot Meal, topped with fresh parsley.
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Make this simple, flavorful Cajun chicken and rice dish entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. The rice cooks directly in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the savory flavors.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the seasonings and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  7. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
  9. Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit cayenne pepper if your blend contains it.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water during the last 5 minutes of cooking before adding the cream.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-rice-one-pot-meal/