If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors and comforting vibes, this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully creamy, spicy dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, savory sauce—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Flavor-packed and satisfying: The Cajun spices and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that keeps you coming back for more.
One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to the rice cooking right in the pot while the chicken sears separately.
Customizable heat: You can easily adjust the Cajun seasoning levels to make it mild or fiery.
Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances spice with creaminess, making it approachable for all ages.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in a handful of accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element adds a specific layer of flavor, richness, or texture to make the dish irresistibly tasty and comforting.
- Butter: This adds luscious richness and helps mellow out the spicy Cajun seasoning.
- Red onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch when softened.
- Garlic: A must-have aromatics that brings warmth and depth.
- Long-grain white rice: Perfect for fluffy, separate grains and soaking up the sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: The star of the show—a vibrant blend of spices that gives this dish its signature kick.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory umami and cooks the rice perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that carries the spice and cream beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that balances the heat and spices.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley lifts the dish with a bright, herbal finish.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare the Rice
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat—this is where your fragrant base begins! Add the diced red onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute to release that irresistible aroma. Stir in the uncooked rice and a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, making sure the rice is evenly coated with those beautiful spices.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Pour the savory chicken broth over your seasoned rice mixture and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot snugly, and let the rice absorb all the flavorful liquid undisturbed for 20-25 minutes. This slow simmer is what yields perfectly tender, fluffy rice infused with Cajun goodness.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While your rice is cooking, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl. In a separate large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside to keep warm and juicy while you whip up the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken, add a bit more butter and toss in the garlic. Cook it gently for a minute, then stir in Cajun seasoning and the heavy cream. Scrape up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re flavor gold—and stir everything together until the sauce is silky and warmed through, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Pour the luscious sauce into the pot of cooked rice and gently fold in the cooked chicken. Give it a good stir to make sure every bite is coated in creamy, spicy goodness. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top—now it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up this creamy, spicy dish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley—its herbal freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some sliced green onions also add delightful pops of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad. If you want to amp up the Cajun spirit, try cornbread or sautéed okra on the side for an authentic Southern vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual cast iron skillets or colorful bowls to bring a homey yet vibrant touch to the table. For gatherings, make a big batch in a casserole dish and let guests help themselves. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs or a dusting of smoked paprika for that inviting Cajun flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the rice and chicken tender.
Reheating
When reheating, stovetop is best for maintaining texture—warm the leftovers gently over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Yes! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just keep in mind it needs a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly—typically about 40-45 minutes simmering with extra broth.
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How spicy is this dish? Can it be made milder?
The dish has a moderate level of spice typical of Cajun seasoning, but you can easily tweak the heat by reducing the seasoning amount or using a milder blend. Adding cream also helps tone down the spice.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add even more juicy flavor. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free, this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort meal. It’s packed with flavor but so easy to make, perfect for feeding your family or impressing dinner guests. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’ll love every creamy, spicy bite!
Print
Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern American
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, comforting one-pot dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with aromatic rice cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. Bursting with Cajun spices and a hint of garlic, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
For the Rice and Chicken
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 large red onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (277.5 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed. If liquid remains after 25 minutes, continue cooking covered for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Chicken: While the rice cooks, combine the chicken pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl, tossing well to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and heavy whipping cream. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping any browned bits from the pan, for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and sauce into the pot with the cooked rice. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking of rice.
- Do not stir rice while simmering to prevent mushiness.
- Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to taste for desired spice level.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
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