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One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
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One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy long-grain rice, and a bold blend of Cajun spices. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy one-pot recipe delivers smoky, spicy, and savory notes with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or soul-warming meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: hot sauce, to drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, locking in flavor and creating a delicious base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for enhanced flavor.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the sautéed vegetables and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast it, helping maintain its texture and absorb more flavor during cooking.
  4. Add Liquid and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, making sure they’re partially submerged.
  5. Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Finish and Serve: Stir gently to blend flavors evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer broth.
  • Don’t rush cooking the rice; simmer covered to absorb all flavors.
  • Use a homemade Cajun spice blend for brighter, bolder flavors.
  • Brown the chicken well to intensify the flavor and avoid sogginess.
  • Cover the pot tightly while simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, spicy chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-and-rice/