Go Back
To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 cup long-grain rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup corn - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each item plays a big role in flavor. Chicken breast gives protein and texture. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a tasty base. Rice acts as a filler and soaks up all the flavors. Chicken broth brings depth. Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness. Peas and corn add color and sweetness. Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley makes the dish look great. You can find these ingredients at your local store. Make sure to choose fresh vegetables for the best taste. Enjoy cooking! To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This step brings out great flavors. In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. This adds a nice base to your dish. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until it smells great. Garlic is key for flavor. Now, add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the pot. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step enhances the rice flavor. After that, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once the rice is ready, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of corn, and the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Finally, remove the pot from heat and mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This adds a creamy touch to the dish. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh look! To make sure your chicken is perfect, cook it until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Cut a piece open to check the center. If it’s white, it’s done. Juicy chicken adds flavor to the whole dish. For the rice, you want it fluffy and tender. After adding the broth, let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep the pot covered to trap steam. This step helps the rice absorb all the flavors. If the rice seems hard, it may need a few more minutes. To boost the flavor, consider adding some extra spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can give it a nice kick. You can also toss in a bay leaf while it cooks for depth. Letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving is key. This allows the flavors to blend. The creamy sauce thickens a bit, making it even more delicious. Enjoy the wait; it will be worth it! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood twist. Sausage brings a hearty flavor that pairs well with Cajun spices. For rice, long-grain is great, but you can use brown rice or even quinoa. Brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust your broth and cooking time. Quinoa cooks fast and adds a nutty flavor. Want more heat? Adjust the spice levels by adding more Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in hot sauce to taste. If you love fresh heat, toss in some jalapeños. Slice them thin and add them with the onions for a spicy kick. Feeling adventurous? Try different hot sauces for unique flavors. A smoky sauce can add depth, while a vinegar-based sauce can brighten the dish. To keep leftover One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This will help keep the dish moist. Heat on low to avoid burning. Stir often for even warming. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The dish will expand as it freezes. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. When you reheat, expect slight changes in texture. The cream may separate a bit. Stir well to mix everything together. The flavors will still be tasty, so don't worry! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. What can I serve with Cajun chicken and rice? This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. A light coleslaw adds crunch, too. What to do if the rice is undercooked? If your rice is undercooked, add a bit more broth or water. Cover the pot and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Check it often to avoid overcooking. How to prevent the dish from being too greasy? To avoid greasiness, use less olive oil when cooking. Drain any excess fat after browning the chicken. You can also use low-fat cream or substitute some of it with broth. This keeps the dish light and creamy. This blog post covered everything you need for Cajun chicken and rice. You learned about key ingredients and step-by-step cooking. I shared tips for perfecting your dish, along with tasty variations and storage advice. Remember, you can swap proteins or adjust spices to suit your taste. Making this dish is fun and rewarding. Enjoy each bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice

Savor the deliciousness of this one-pot creamy Cajun chicken and rice! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful Cajun seasoning, and creamy goodness all in one pot, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a dish that the whole family will love. Discover the step-by-step instructions and transform your meal time. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe now!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)

1 cup long-grain rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup corn

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

    Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

        Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

          Add the rice to the pot and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

            Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let cook for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

              Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, corn, and the cooked chicken. Allow to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.

                Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4