Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe features tender chicken pieces seasoned with bold Cajun spices, cooked with aromatic onions, peppers, and garlic, then combined with creamy Parmesan-infused rice. Perfectly balanced between spicy and creamy, this one-pan skillet dish is comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season and sear chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add them to the hot skillet and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Coat rice with aromatics: Stir the 1 1/2 cups of long-grain white rice into the skillet, mixing well to coat the rice with the flavorful vegetable mixture.
- Add chicken broth and cook rice: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish cooking chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Continue simmering until the chicken is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken and rice hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat; chicken breasts work well too.
- For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Long-grain rice works best; avoid quick-cooking rice varieties as they may alter cooking times.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of broth or cream to loosen consistency if needed.
