Description
If you are looking for a meal that packs a punch of flavor while delivering ultimate comfort, these Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bowls are it. This recipe combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken with fluffy, savory rice, all tied together by a rich Cajun-infused cream sauce.
Ingredients
The Rice Base
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
The Cajun Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
The Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Sauté & Toast: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pot. Cook red onion until soft. Stir in rice, garlic, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to coat.
Simmer: Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes. Do not lift the lid!
Sear Chicken: Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. Sear in 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until golden. Transfer to a plate.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Cook garlic for 1 minute. Add cream and seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes while scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the ‘fond.’
Combine: Fold the sauce and chicken into the cooked rice and stir gently to combine. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Don’t Peek: Trust the timer; lifting the lid lets steam escape and ruins the rice texture.
Fond: Those brown bits in the skillet are flavor gold! Don’t clean the pan before making the sauce.
Salt Control: Cajun seasonings vary widely in salt content; taste before adding extra.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken, cajun chicken and rice bowls, 45 minute dinners, spicy chicken rice, heavy cream sauces, southern inspired meals, easy meal prep bowls