There’s something about a one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug on a hectic day—one of those dishes that somehow taste even better the next day, like that leftover lasagna everyone fights over. This Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe doesn’t just save on dishes; it transports you straight to the heart of the bayou with every spicy, smoky bite. (By the way, did you catch last night’s episode of The Great British Bake Off? Talk about a craving trigger!)
Steps
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with olive oil and generously apply Cajun seasoning.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then blend in honey once melted.
- Use tongs to place the chicken in the skillet, browning each side for 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken, cover it, and set aside.
- Add sliced celery, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about a minute.
- Mix rice, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth into the pan and bring everything to a boil.
- Lower the heat to a simmer, place the chicken back on top of the rice, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice using a fork, and serve the dish with diced mangoes or your choice of pineapple or salsa. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 mangoes, diced (optional)
- A handful of cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (as needed)
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red preferred)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1616 kcal | Carbohydrates: 236 g | Protein: 116 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 292 mg | Sodium: 2512 mg | Potassium: 3304 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 76 g | Vitamin A: 10092 IU | Vitamin C: 192 mg | Calcium: 212 mg | Iron: 8 mg
FAQ
- Can I make this Cajun Chicken & Rice dish less spicy?
- Absolutely! You can reduce the spiciness by either seasoning only the chicken or just the rice with Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, you can leave a piece of chicken unseasoned for those who prefer milder flavors.
- What can I use if I don’t have mangoes for garnish?
- If mangoes aren’t available or aren’t to your liking, you can substitute them with diced pineapple or use store-bought mango or pineapple salsa. The sweetness will enhance the dish’s flavor beautifully.
- How long can I store leftovers of this dish?
- Leftover Cajun chicken and rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with Cajun Chicken & Rice?
- While this is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Cornbread or dinner rolls also pair nicely.
- Can I customize this recipe with additional ingredients?
- Certainly! You can add a can of drained fire-roasted tomatoes to the rice for extra flavor or toss in some drained and rinsed white beans for added texture and protein. If you prefer more heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix or serving with your favorite hot sauce.
Tips
- Adjust Spiciness for Kids: If your children aren’t fond of spicy food, try seasoning only the chicken or the rice with Cajun spices, or leave a piece of chicken plain to cater to their taste.
- Enhance Flavor with Mango or Pineapple: Adding diced mango or pineapple, or even store-bought mango or pineapple salsa, provides a sweet contrast that enhances the dish’s flavors and adds a refreshing twist.
- Storage Tips for Leftovers: You can store leftover Cajun chicken and rice in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months for a convenient future meal.
- Customizable Spice Level: To increase the heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or your preferred hot sauce to the dish for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – A good quality, large skillet with a lid is essential for cooking the chicken and rice together.
- Tongs – Useful for handling the chicken pieces while browning them.
- Measuring Spoons – Needed to measure out the ingredients like olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and honey accurately.
