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- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this recipe, I use one pound of chicken thighs. This gives you enough meat to serve four people. Rinsing the rice helps remove extra starch, making it less sticky. You need three cups of chicken broth, which adds great flavor. One cup of heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Cajun seasoning is key for flavor. It gives a nice kick without being too hot. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds color. Always taste your dish before serving to adjust salt and pepper as needed. 1. Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. 2. Place the chicken in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it. Mix well to coat each piece. 3. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Getting these ready makes cooking easier. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until browned. 3. Take the chicken out and set it aside. 4. In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes. 5. Stir in the rinsed rice. Mix it with the veggies for 1-2 minutes to toast lightly. 6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. 7. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes. 8. Check if the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. 1. Add the frozen peas to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes. This warms the peas through. 2. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. 3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve it in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. To boost flavor in your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness. Always taste as you cook. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning. This dish loves bold flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on it. Stirring too much can make the rice mushy. Another mistake is skipping the sauté step. Browning the chicken and veggies adds depth. Finally, don't forget to taste before serving. You want to make sure it’s just right. Serve this dish with a side salad for a fresh crunch. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. If you want carbs, serve with crusty bread. This helps soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color on the plate. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients easily in this recipe. For chicken, try turkey or shrimp. Both give a lovely flavor. If you need a lighter option, use chicken breast instead of thighs. Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free touch. For the broth, vegetable broth works well if you want less meat flavor. To make this dish vegetarian, leave out the chicken. Use extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini instead. For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also add plant-based protein, like chickpeas or tofu, for extra texture. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. You can also toss in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. For a smoky kick, consider adding smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a dish that truly pops! To store your creamy Cajun chicken and rice, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container well to keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the dish easily. Use the microwave or a pot on the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. If on the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Heat over low until warm. You can freeze this dish for later. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. If you cannot find Cajun seasoning, try using equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. This mix gives a similar flavor and warmth to your dish. Experiment with spices like oregano or thyme for more depth. Remember, each spice adds its own twist. Yes, you can use brown rice! However, it will change the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You should simmer it for about 30-40 minutes instead of 20 minutes. Make sure to add a bit more liquid too. This ensures the rice cooks properly and stays creamy. One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water. Enjoy your meal again! This blog post gives you all you need to make a delicious dish. We covered key ingredients, cooked step-by-step, and shared tips for perfecting flavor. You learned about variations like spicy options and storage advice. Remember, the right seasoning and fresh ingredients make a big difference. Avoid common mistakes to ensure the best outcome. With these insights, you can enjoy and share your meal with confidence. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice

Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe! This dish combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned with Cajun spice and creamy goodness. In just one pot, you’ll have a hearty meal that's easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights! Click through to discover how to create this delicious dinner that your family will adore!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Make sure they are well covered.

    Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

      Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 4-5 minutes.

        Combine Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, mixing well with the vegetables for about 1-2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.

          Add Broth & Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Add Chicken Back: Return the browned chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through.

                Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

                  Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the creamy Cajun chicken and rice in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4