Craving a meal that’s both bursting with flavor and kind to your schedule? Say hello to Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls! This isn't just a recipe; it's your new go-to for those hectic weeknights when you want something healthy, quick, and utterly delicious. I remember feeling overwhelmed juggling work and family, always searching for meals that fit the bill. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it's a total time-saver with a spicy kick!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, a true Louisiana native, always had a pot of something simmering on the stove, usually infused with the rich, smoky flavors of Cajun spices. While this isn't her exact recipe, it's inspired by those warm, comforting dishes from my childhood. The Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls evoke those same feelings of home, but in a quick and easy format perfect for modern life. They bring a taste of Louisiana to your table, even on the busiest days.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and mix well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spice: Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the creamy Cajun chicken and chopped bell peppers.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and mix well.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.1/2 cup chicken broth
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.1/2 cup heavy cream
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy Cajun sauce.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the creamy Cajun chicken and chopped bell peppers.2 cups cooked rice, 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately!1/4 cup chopped green onions, to taste Hot sauce