Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth The chicken thighs give great flavor and tenderness to this dish. I like using long-grain rice because it cooks well and absorbs the broth nicely. Chicken broth adds rich taste and moisture. - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced Onions and garlic bring a sweet and savory base. Bell peppers add color and crunch. I often use both red and green for a nice mix of flavors. - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) Cajun seasoning is key for that bold flavor. Smoked paprika gives a subtle depth, and cayenne pepper adds heat. Adjust the cayenne to fit your spice level. This combination of ingredients creates a vibrant and tasty skillet meal. Each element plays a role in building flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of cooking with these fresh ingredients! To start, we need to cook the chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Next, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened. This step is key. It builds flavor, and the aroma will make your mouth water. Now, let’s combine everything. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir it into the vegetables and let it toast for 2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice. After toasting, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. Mix until everything is well combined. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peas are heated through. Now, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like more heat, sprinkle on extra Cajun seasoning. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish! To get the best Cajun flavor, start with the right spices. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, but making your own is better. Mix equal parts of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Adjust the cayenne if you want less heat. For a milder dish, use less cayenne pepper. Taste as you go. It is easy to tweak and find the perfect mix. Using the right skillet is key. A cast-iron skillet holds heat well and gives a nice sear to the chicken. If you don’t have one, any large skillet works. Once you cook the chicken, let it rest. Resting lets the juices settle, making the chicken tender. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds freshness and makes the dish look fancy. For serving, try pairing it with a side salad or some crusty bread. It balances the meal and adds more texture. Enjoy your colorful, flavorful dinner! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Shrimp adds a sweet, ocean flavor. Just sauté the shrimp until pink, then add them with the chicken. Sausage is another tasty choice. Slice it and cook it with the chicken for a smoky kick. If you want a meatless dish, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the spices well, making your meal hearty and filling. If you want to mix up the grains, consider brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice gives a nutty taste and adds fiber. Quinoa is lighter and cooks faster. For a low-carb choice, use cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to keep the dish light while still enjoying that yummy Cajun flavor. Adding more veggies can make this dish even better. Try carrots, zucchini, or corn for extra color and flavor. You can also use seasonal vegetables. In the spring, add asparagus. In the fall, try butternut squash. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting throughout the year. To keep your Cajun chicken and rice skillet fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Always cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice an off smell or change in color, it’s best to toss it. To freeze this dish, make sure it is cooled completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth for moisture. You can also use a microwave, but stir it halfway to heat evenly. Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices. It adds great flavor and warmth to dishes. Common ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some blends add cayenne pepper for heat. The mix gives a bold, savory taste that makes food exciting. You can buy it ready-made or make your own at home. Yes, you can make Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet ahead. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. For meal prep, cook the dish fully, then let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave. This saves time on busy nights. Several sides go great with this dish. You can serve a fresh green salad for crunch. Cornbread adds a nice touch with its sweetness. Another option is steamed broccoli for a healthy balance. If you want more spice, a side of spicy coleslaw works well too. Mix and match according to your taste! Cajun chicken and rice is a dish full of flavor and fun. We explored the key ingredients like chicken thighs and rice, plus many spices. You learned how to prepare chicken, sauté veggies, and combine everything. You also discovered tips for perfecting the dish and creative variations to try. Whether you enjoy it right away or store leftovers, this recipe is a winner. The flavors and cooking steps can turn any meal into a special occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this delicious Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet! This one-pan meal features tender chicken, flavorful rice, and vibrant bell peppers, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty dish that’s customizable to your spice preference. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family tonight! #CajunChicken #OnePanDinner #QuickRecipes #DinnerInspo

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the rice to the skillet and stir, allowing it to toast for 2 minutes with the vegetables, ensuring it picks up the flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, mixing until everything is well combined. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a little more spiciness, you can sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning on top.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4