Description
A rich and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy rice, and bold spices. Perfect for an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add diced bell peppers and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.
Add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Include vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for variety.
For a lighter version, reduce cream and add a splash of milk.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with added liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg