Description
Whip up a batch of these high-protein Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bowls for easy, flavorful weeknight meals. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (like long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- 1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
- 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 3. Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Stir in the uncooked white rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- 6. Uncover the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together gently until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- 7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid if needed to prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Sugar: Approximately 5-8g (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 15-25g (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g (will vary based on exact ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g (will vary based on exact ingredients)