One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

$- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, diced - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) High-quality ingredients make a big difference in taste. Choose fresh chicken thighs for the best flavor. Use long-grain rice, as it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, and bell peppers add great flavor and nutrition. For the canned tomatoes, look for ones with no added sugar or preservatives. A good chicken broth enhances the dish. Use heavy cream for a rich, creamy sauce. If you don't have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts. They will work well too. For rice, brown rice is an option, but it'll need a longer cooking time. If you want to skip the cream, try coconut milk for a lighter dish. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Season them with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. This step locks in flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a finely chopped medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This mix gives the dish a great base of flavor. Now, stir in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute. Next, add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and stir to coat it in the spices. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together well. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the liquid. Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork and mix it all together. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To make your dish super creamy, use heavy cream. It blends well with the chicken and rice. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half. You can also add more broth if the mix seems too thick. Stir well to keep the texture smooth. Let it simmer gently; this helps the cream mix in well. Cajun seasoning gives great flavor, but you can tweak it. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun spice or some cayenne pepper. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning. Taste as you go to find what you like best. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. A large pot or Dutch oven works best for this recipe. It holds heat evenly and is great for one-pot meals. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well without scratching the pot. A lid is important for simmering; it keeps steam in and cooks the rice evenly. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the chicken with diced mushrooms or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor. Add in some extra veggies, like zucchini or spinach, for more color and nutrition. The Cajun seasoning will still give it that great kick. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can mix in some hot sauce while cooking for an extra boost. Consider using andouille sausage for a smoky flavor. This will really ramp up the Cajun vibe of the dish. Try using brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice. Brown rice will give a nuttier taste and more fiber. Quinoa cooks faster and adds protein. Remember, cooking times may vary, so adjust the liquid and simmering time as needed. Store the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it tasty and safe. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container for best results. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact. Reheat the chicken and rice in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to moisten it. Stir frequently until it warms up. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy it warm and fresh! One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Prepare it fully and let it cool. Once cooled, store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a simple green salad. Garlic bread also makes a nice addition. For some crunch, try serving with coleslaw. Each side brings a new flavor to your meal. This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice. We looked at key ingredients, their quality, and swaps you can make. I shared steps for preparing chicken and cooking veggies to create a tasty dish. You learned tips for creamy texture and spice adjustments. We also explored fun variations and proper storage methods. Enjoy cooking this meal and make it your own. With a few changes, it can fit any taste. Dive in, have fun, and share this recipe with others!$

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Savor the flavors of Cajun Delight with this One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy goodness in just one pot. Enjoy the rich taste of Cajun cuisine with minimal cleanup. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the South to your table tonight! Easy, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, diced

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute.

Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat in the spices and vegetables.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.

Return the browned chicken to the pot, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork and mix everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve the dish warm, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4