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Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice

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Coogan's Kitchen
Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice is a one-pan meal with a tasty blend of Cajun seasonings, fresh vegetables, and flavor-filled rice. The spices and herbs add the perfect amount of flavor plus a spicy kick to the chicken and rice. Yummm!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast , cubed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil , for browning the chicken
  • salt + pepper , to preferred taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion , diced
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 10-oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 cup bell pepper , diced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun spice , See Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe within the blog post or below in the Notes section.
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepepr , optional
  • 3 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
  • 2 - 3 bay leaves , fresh or dried

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large (cast-iron) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and brown the meat until it is cooked through.
    Remove from the skillet and set aside on a separate plate.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in the same skillet. As the butter melts add in the onions, cooking until softened. Then stir in minced garlic.
  • Add the rice to the skillet. Stir to toast the rice over low to medium heat for about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, chopped bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, cumin, and cayenne pepper (optional). Combine well.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the mixture until the rice is almost done; about 20 minutes*. The rice texture should still be slightly firm, not quite to the softening point.
    RECIPE NOTE: *Cook time will vary based on the type of rice used. Check your package instructions.
  • Transfer the browned chicken back to the skillet. Mix well into the mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes or until the rice has finished cooking.
  • Test the Cajun rice mixture and sauce to adjust for cook times and additional seasoning, if needed. Remove from heat. Then return the lid to the skillet and allow the dish to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes.
    Remove the bay leaves.
    Fluff with a fork prior to serving.

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer
Try this easy Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe ...
  • Smoked paprika - 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder - 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Kosher salt - 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • Black pepper - 1 1/2 tablespoons black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper - 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • Oregano - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • Onion powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • Basil - 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • Thyme - 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Combine all of the spices and herbs and mix well. Use immediately and store the remaining blend in a sealed container and it will be good for up to a year in your pantry.
Did you try this recipe?Snap a few pics and mention @shaylahcoogan or tag us by using #cooganskitchen!
Keyword Cajun Chicken and Rice, Cajun Recipes, Chicken and Rice, Chicken Recipes, One Skillet Meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!