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To make a tasty Cajun Chicken Rice Skillet, you need some key items. Gather these ingredients: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups chicken broth These items form the heart of the dish. The chicken gives protein, while the rice makes it filling. The onion, bell pepper, and garlic add flavor and color. The right spices make your dish shine. You will need: - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste Cajun seasoning brings a warm, spicy kick. Thyme and paprika add depth, while cayenne boosts heat. Adjust the cayenne to match your taste. Finishing touches bring the dish to life. Consider these garnishes: - 2 green onions, chopped - Fresh parsley, chopped These fresh herbs add color and a pop of flavor. Plus, they make your skillet look even more inviting. Enjoy your meal! To make a Cajun chicken rice skillet, you will cook the chicken, sauté vegetables, add rice, and simmer everything together. This dish is quick and full of flavor. You can enjoy it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy family dinner. First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it gets browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor. In the same skillet, add 1 chopped medium onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and release their flavors. This mix adds great taste to your dish. Next, stir in 1 cup of long-grain rice, the remaining Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Toast the rice for 2 minutes while stirring. This helps the rice absorb all the flavors. After that, add 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a boil. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Now, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Check it now and then to prevent sticking. The rice will absorb most of the liquid and become tender. Once done, remove it from the heat. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and taste for seasoning. Adjust if needed. Finally, serve it hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley. Enjoy your meal! To boost the taste of your Cajun Chicken Rice Skillet, use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme and parsley add bright notes. You can also squeeze some lemon juice before serving. This adds a nice tang. Don't skip the Cajun seasoning; it brings that classic kick. For an extra layer, try smoked paprika instead of regular. For fluffy rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice for the best texture. Let the rice simmer gently. Do not lift the lid too often, as it releases steam. After cooking, let it sit covered for five minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and absorb flavors. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions and parsley for color. You can also add sliced jalapeños for heat. A dollop of sour cream can cool down the spice. For a fun twist, try crumbled feta or goat cheese. These add creaminess and a unique flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version by swapping out chicken. Use hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. I suggest adding more beans for protein. Black beans or kidney beans work well. Just cook the veggies until soft and mix in the rice as usual. You can still use the same Cajun spices to keep the bold flavor. For a seafood twist, try shrimp or scallops. Cook them until they turn pink and firm. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook. If you prefer sausage, andouille sausage is a great choice. Slice it and cook it with the chicken for added flavor. Either option gives a new spin to your skillet meal. If you want to switch up the grain, consider using quinoa or farro. Both add a nice texture and flavor. Quinoa cooks faster, so adjust the liquid and cooking time. Farro takes longer, so you may want to cook it separately first. Either way, these grains bring a healthy twist to your Cajun dish. Store your leftover Cajun chicken rice skillet in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it lasts about 3-4 days. Always label your container with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, put a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until hot. You can freeze Cajun chicken rice skillet for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as directed above. Yes, you can use brown rice. It takes longer to cook, about 45 minutes. You will need to add more broth. Use 2.5 cups of broth for brown rice. To reduce spice, cut back on cayenne pepper. You can also add sour cream or yogurt. These will help cool down the heat and add creaminess. Leftovers can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. It reheats well and keeps its flavor. Portion it out in individual containers for easy meals. You can make it in advance. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before serving. This blog shared key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips for Cajun Chicken Rice Skillet. You learned how to enhance flavors and explore variations, like vegetarian options or adding seafood. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat them safely. Making this dish easy to prepare allows you to enjoy great meals. Embrace your kitchen skills, and try these ideas today!

Cajun Chicken Rice Skillet

Savor the flavors of a delicious Cajun Chicken Rice Skillet with this easy recipe! Packed with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 40 minutes, create a satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 cup long-grain rice

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Stir in the rice, remaining Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toast the rice for 2 minutes while stirring often to absorb the flavors.

        Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth to the skillet, bringing everything to a boil. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and reduce the heat to low.

          Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check periodically to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pan.

            Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.

              Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.

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