One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

$- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish In this dish, the chicken breast is the star. It gives the meal its protein and heartiness. Cajun seasoning adds that famous spicy kick. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and gives a rich flavor. Onion and garlic add depth to the taste. They make the base of the dish very aromatic. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. The rice acts as a comforting base, soaking up all the flavors. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds extra taste. Heavy cream makes this dish creamy and rich. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Seasoning with salt and pepper helps to balance the flavors. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It makes the dish look pretty and fresh. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun! Enjoy the blend of flavors in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice. Start by tossing the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning. Use a bowl to mix well. Make sure every piece has a nice coating of seasoning. This step adds flavor and spice to the chicken. Next, prepare your pot. Use a large pot or a Dutch oven for this recipe. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This helps to brown the chicken perfectly. Now, it’s time to brown the chicken. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken gets a nice golden color. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. Then, add minced garlic for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Now, add the rice and broth. Stir in one cup of long-grain rice for about 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all those tasty flavors. Pour in two cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering, it’s time to incorporate cream and peas. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of frozen peas. Return the chicken to the pot and mix everything together. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes. If the dish looks too thick, just add a little more broth or water. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice! To ensure perfectly cooked rice, rinse it under cold water. This removes excess starch. Use long-grain rice for the best texture. When you add the rice to the pot, stir it for 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb the flavors. Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream. If you want a lighter dish, use less cream. You can also swap in chicken broth for a creamier texture. You can customize Cajun spice levels to your taste. Add more Cajun seasoning if you like it spicy. For a milder dish, reduce the amount. Feel free to add extra ingredients for flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or diced tomatoes work well. They add color and nutrition. For serving suggestions, use large bowls for a cozy feel. Ladle the creamy chicken rice into each bowl. Garnishing options include chopped fresh parsley or green onions. They add a pop of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, try using turkey or shrimp. Both options add great flavor. You can also use firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based meal. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and satisfying. You can customize the spice blend. Try smoked paprika or cayenne for more heat. Adding herbs like thyme or oregano can also boost the flavor. For extra texture, toss in chopped carrots or zucchini. They cook well and brighten up the dish. Pair this creamy dish with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A side of garlic bread complements the meal perfectly. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce. A simple ranch or garlic sauce adds a nice touch. Store your leftovers in the fridge right away. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the dish seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. In the fridge, your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice lasts about three days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If you notice either, it's best to throw it away. Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it needs more cooking time. Brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. You will also need to adjust the liquid. Use about 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. How can I make it spicier? To add heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Start small and taste as you go. This way, you find the right spice level for you. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure you use gluten-free chicken broth. Most Cajun seasonings are gluten-free, but check the label to be safe. Substitutes for heavy cream If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream. For a dairy-free choice, almond or oat milk can work, but may not be as creamy. Adjust the cooking times as needed for these alternatives. How to reheat the dish? To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth. This keeps it creamy and prevents sticking. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat as mentioned. The flavors will deepen, making it even better! This blog covered a flavorful Cajun chicken dish. We discussed key ingredients, including chicken, Cajun seasoning, and creamy elements. The step-by-step instructions made the cooking process clear and simple. Useful tips helped optimize flavor and presentation. We also explored variations and storage options to suit your needs. In the end, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your style. Happy cooking!$

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

Savor the rich flavors of our One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and creamy goodness all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a delicious meal idea that your family will love. Don't miss out on this comforting dish—click through for the full recipe and start cooking today! #CajunChicken #OnePotMeal #EasyRecipes #ComfortFood

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Return the chicken to the pot, and mix thoroughly.

Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and creamy. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | 4 servings