Description
Cajun Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pan comfort meal made with juicy chicken thighs, jasmine rice, onion, bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, and bold Cajun and Creole seasonings. It’s hearty, smoky, and perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
For the skillet:
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
Seasoning & base:
• 1–2 tsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
Rice & liquid:
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
Additional flavor:
• 1 tsp adobo seasoning
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry, then coat with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper.
2. Sear for flavor
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until nicely seared, then remove and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
In the same pan, sauté onion, bell peppers, celery, and tomato until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the base
Stir in Creole seasoning and tomato paste. Cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
5. Add garlic
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
6. Toast the rice
Add the rice and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
7. Add liquids and seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth, then add adobo seasoning, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, and thyme.
8. Combine and simmer
Return the chicken to the pan, placing it over the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Finish and serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems, fluff the rice, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American