Description
This Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a vibrant medley of vegetables, smoky bacon, and aromatic Cajun spices. Finished with a creamy, tangy Cajun sauce made from tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, this dish offers a delightful balance of spice and creaminess, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tbsps smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Chicken and Rice
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 chicken breasts
- 6 pieces bacon, sliced
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 lemons
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken and Cook Bacon: Season chicken breasts with half of the Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper as desired. Add sliced bacon to a skillet over medium-low heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon fat is rendered and bacon is crispy.
- Sear Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat, then increase heat to medium. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for approximately 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning from the reserved blend. Cook for 3-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften and release fragrance.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir the rice into the softened vegetables, then pour in chicken stock. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
- Prepare Cajun Cream Sauce: In a separate skillet or saucepan, combine heavy cream, diced garlic, tomato paste, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Heat over low heat until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Squeeze the juice of the second lemon into the sauce and whisk thoroughly to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the creamy Cajun sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and rice. Mix everything evenly. Slice the chicken breasts and gently toss to combine. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Cajun chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Using bone-in chicken breasts can add more flavor but will require longer cooking time.
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Leftover Cajun seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- If preferred, use brown rice but increase simmering time accordingly, typically around 40-45 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
