Easy Weeknight Cajun Chicken Rice
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something spicy and comforting? Fancy a bit of Louisiana magic? That's where our easy cajun chicken and rice comes in.
It's proper tasty, and trust me, even I can make it, so you definitely can!
A Taste of Louisiana in Your Kitchen
This one-pot cajun recipe is inspired by the heart of Louisiana flavors . We're talking about that authentic taste without the fuss.
It's an easy weeknight dinner , ready in under an hour. It's perfect for four hungry bellies.
Why You'll Love This Simple Cajun Recipe
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken. It's also a budget friendly cajun food , using ingredients you likely already have.
It's a brilliant way to jazz up your spicy cajun chicken game. It makes a quick cajun meal , after a long day and brings all the cajun chicken and rice goodness without the takeout price tag.
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. On to the ingredients, shall we? We're making cajun chicken thighs recipe by the way!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started, Mate!
Right then, fancy a bit of easy cajun cooking? No need to stress, this easy weeknight dinner is a doddle.
We're talking Louisiana flavours, proper comfort food, and budget friendly cajun food all rolled into one one-pot cajun recipe . Trust me, you'll be saying "Oh my gosh!" after just one bite.
Main Ingredients for Your Cajun Masterpiece
Here's what you'll need to nail this cajun chicken and rice . Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference!
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless cajun chicken thighs recipe , cut into bite sized pieces. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy.
- Rice: 1 cup (200g) long grain rice.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml).
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (411g), undrained.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml).
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (approx. 1 cup ).
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (approx. 1 cup ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (approx. 2 tsp ).
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Get ready to unleash those Louisiana flavors ! This is where the spicy cajun chicken magic happens.
- Cajun Seasoning: A total of 2 tbsp (US & Metric). Use 1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tbsp for the rice. Honestly, making your own homemade cajun seasoning is the way to go!
- Salt: 1/2 tsp .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional, for extra kick).
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped for garnish.
For a quick substitution, you can use a pre-made Cajun spice blend, but homemade is always fresher!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to cook up some simple cajun recipe goodness.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. A good skillet is your best mate in the kitchen.
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
That's it! This quick cajun meal is all about ease and flavour, so don't worry about complicated gadgets. Let's get cooking!
Easy Weeknight Cajun Chicken & Rice: One-Pot Wonder
Right, listen up! Fancy a bit of Louisiana in your life without spending hours in the kitchen? This easy cajun chicken and rice recipe is your ticket.
It's a one-pot cajun recipe , so minimal washing up. Bonus! Honestly, it's almost too simple cajun recipe to be true.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: Chop your onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and cube the chicken. Get your homemade cajun seasoning ready. It’s all about having everything ready to go.
- Time saving organization tips: I like to measure out all my spices beforehand. Saves faffing about later.
- Safety reminders: Be careful when chopping! A sharp knife is a safe knife.
step-by-step: The Easy Cajun Lowdown
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs with 1 tsp cajun seasoning , 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Brown on all sides. This takes about 5 minutes . Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes , until softened. Chuck in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir in 1 cup of long grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp of cajun seasoning, and 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave). Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Simmer Everything Together: Pop the chicken back into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on the liquid.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes . Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Cajun Champions
- Spice it up! Make your own easy cajun seasoning. Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Bangin'
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. Brown it in batches if you need to, innit. Otherwise, you'll end up steaming it, and nobody wants that.
- This spicy cajun chicken and rice is even better the next day. make-ahead options are always a winner!
This cajun chicken and rice recipe really brings those Louisiana flavors to your table. Perfect for a quick cajun meal or a budget friendly cajun food feast.
You can even use cajun chicken thighs recipe and switch it up. Enjoy your easy weeknight dinner !
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Weeknight Dinner
Right, so you’re about to make this easy cajun sensation, eh? Let’s chat through some notes. Think of this as me, your mate, giving you the lowdown.
I've cooked this loads. Honestly, it's a proper crowd pleaser. I reckon it's perfect budget friendly cajun food .
Plating Like a Pro & What to Serve With It
Okay, so plating. You know? It’s all about making it look smashing. I like to pile the cajun chicken and rice high in a bowl.
Then, a sprinkle of that fresh parsley just finishes it off. For sides, you can't go wrong with classic cornbread.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. Coleslaw too, balances out that spicy cajun chicken nicely. And don’t forget the hot sauce, especially for those who like a bit of a kick, like me!
Keeping it Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge, in an airtight container, and it'll be grand for up to 3 days .
If you fancy freezing it, portion it out first. It'll keep for about 2 months . When reheating, a microwave works a treat.
Or, you can gently warm it through in a pan with a splash of water or chicken broth. Keep the temperature at 165° F ( 74° C) .
Variations Galore
Now, let’s talk swapsies. Fancy a veggie version? Just ditch the chicken and chuck in a tin of black beans.
Some diced courgette or squash would be brilliant too. Or, if you're trying to be a bit healthier, try it with brown rice.
Just remember it’ll need a bit longer to cook and a bit more liquid. You could even throw in some Louisiana flavors by adding Andouille sausage instead of the chicken.
It's a super adaptable one-pot cajun recipe !
A Bit About the Goodness Inside
Alright, let’s get a bit sensible, shall we? This recipe packs a punch with protein, thanks to the chicken. The veggies bring vitamins to the party.
And that homemade cajun seasoning , well, that’s where the flavour and antioxidants are. It's a quick cajun meal that's secretly good for you.
Each serving has roughly 450 calories , 35g of protein , 15g of fat , and 40g of carbohydrates . This is a simplified nutrition information.
So, there you have it. All the notes you need to nail this easy cajun chicken thighs recipe . Go on, give it a go.
I know you'll smash it. It’s a simple cajun recipe that even a beginner can pull off. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this "easy cajun" recipe actually easy? I'm no Gordon Ramsay!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for busy weeknights and cooks of all skill levels. It relies on simple techniques like sautéing and simmering, and the ingredient list is relatively short and sweet, a bit like Del Boy's dodgy deals straightforward and effective!
You’ll be whipping up a delicious Cajun feast in no time, even if you're just starting out in the kitchen.
Can I adjust the spice level in this easy Cajun chicken & rice? My nan doesn't do spicy.
Definitely! The beauty of this recipe is that you're in control of the heat. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper (if using) and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away.
You could even serve a milder version to your nan and add a dash of hot sauce to yours later everyone's a winner!
I don't have all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Can I use a store-bought blend?
You bet! Using a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just be sure to check the label for sodium content, as some blends can be quite salty. Adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly. Alternatively, you can always knock up a homemade blend for maximum flavour control.
What are some tasty variations I can try with this Cajun chicken and rice?
Fancy mixing things up a bit? You could substitute some of the chicken with cooked shrimp or Andouille sausage for a different flavour profile. For a veggie version, just omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans. It's versatile like a good cuppa works for any occasion!
How do I store leftovers of this easy Cajun chicken & rice, and how long will they last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and rice have cooled down completely before refrigerating. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop.
Add a splash of chicken broth or water when re-heating on the stovetop to prevent the rice from drying out.
What can I serve with this Cajun Chicken and Rice to make it a full meal?
To make it a proper spread, serve this with some warm cornbread for that classic Southern pairing - perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. A side of coleslaw will also provide a nice cool contrast to the spicy Cajun flavours.
And of course, don't forget a selection of hot sauces for anyone who's after that extra kick. Bob's your uncle - dinner is sorted!
Easy Weeknight Cajun Chicken Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
