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Cajun Chicken and Rice

A one-pot Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, smoky spices, and fluffy rice — bold, comforting, and packed with Southern flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dish
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1.5 cups long-grain rice
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz with juice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp thyme
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear until browned, then remove.
  2. Add more oil and sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
  3. Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  5. Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Fluff rice, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Adjust spice to taste and serve with a squeeze of lemon for balance.