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Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe


Description

Spice up your weeknight dinner rotation with this one-pot Cajun chicken that brings Louisiana flavor without the fuss. Ready in 30 minutes and guaranteed to become a family favorite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion (about 1 cup/150g), diced
  • 1 green bell pepper (about 1 cup/150g), diced
  • 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup/80g), finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 2½ cups (590ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 23 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and thyme, stirring for 30 seconds. Add rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Add bay leaves and return chicken to the pan.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Check if rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. If needed, cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove bay leaves, stir in butter until melted, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot with optional hot sauce on the side.