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Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice: An Amazing 1-Pot Meal

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  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken thighs and rice infused with bold Cajun spices and a luxurious creamy sauce. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry and season them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Add butter to the same pot. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add rice to the pot and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent. Stir in drained tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, and bay leaves.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the browned chicken and any juices back to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and half the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  8. Garnish with remaining green onions and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add sliced andouille sausage with the chicken.
  • Add diced okra or mushrooms with the holy trinity vegetables for a veggie boost.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheats well.
  • If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Find it online: https://sarecipes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-rice/