Description
A flavorful and easy one pot Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe made with tender chicken breasts, aromatic Cajun spices, and perfectly cooked rice. This quick and simple dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, complemented with optional diced mango for a sweet contrast and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon butter (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 celery stalk (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, red preferred)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 mangoes (diced, optional)
- handful cilantro (chopped)
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning on all sides.
- Browning the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until just melted. Stir in the honey. Add the chicken to the skillet and brown them for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken and place on a plate, setting aside for later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with remaining butter and juices, add the sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. If the pan appears dry, add an extra tablespoon of butter as needed.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice and the additional tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, mixing thoroughly to combine with vegetables.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: Lower the heat to a medium-low simmer. Return the browned chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve the chicken and rice topped with a scoop of diced mango (optional), chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing if desired.
Notes
- Use a large, heavy-bottom skillet or sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- If mangoes are unavailable or not preferred, substitute with diced peaches or pineapple for a similar sweet contrast.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on your spice preference to make it milder or spicier.
- For a lower sodium option, use homemade or low sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt in seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 404 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 628 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
