Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls (Printable Version)
Tender chicken in creamy Cajun sauce over fluffy rice for a comforting, spicy weeknight meal ready in 40 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Rice
02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
03 - 2 cups water
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, diced
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce & Dairy
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
11 - 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
12 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
13 - 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
17 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnishes
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How To Make:
01 - Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered until ready to serve.
02 - Pat chicken pieces dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and combined.
06 - Return chicken to the skillet. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
07 - Fluff rice with a fork. Divide rice among four bowls. Top with creamy Cajun chicken mixture and generous spoonfuls of sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce clings to every bite of rice so nothing is left plain
- Ready in under 45 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- Customizable heat level lets everyone control their own spice tolerance
02 -
- Do not skip scraping up the browned bits from the pan after cooking the chicken
- The sauce thickens quickly as it cools so do not overreduce it in the pan
- Letting the chicken rest for a minute after slicing keeps it juicy
03 -
- Taste your Cajun seasoning first since brands vary wildly in heat
- Room temperature cream cheese incorporates smoothly without lumps