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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options work well. For a lighter dish, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap long-grain rice for brown rice or quinoa if you prefer. You can also use different vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. To make these creamy Cajun chicken rice bowls, you will need: - A large skillet for cooking - A chopping board and knife for preparing ingredients - A measuring cup for the rice and broth - A wooden spoon for stirring - A plate for resting the chicken after cooking These tools will help you create a meal that is both tasty and simple to prepare. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Use Cajun seasoning on both sides. Add salt and black pepper for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F inside. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate. In the same skillet, add diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onions become soft and translucent. This step builds a great flavor base. Next, add rinsed long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice in the veggies. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice should be tender and absorb all the broth. After the rice cooks, reduce the heat slightly. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. Add smoked paprika for flavor. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed. Mix until everything is creamy and combined. While the rice simmers, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips. This makes it easy to serve. To serve, spoon a nice portion of the creamy Cajun rice into each bowl. Place the sliced chicken strips neatly on top. This will look beautiful and appetizing. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. Your comforting Cajun chicken rice bowls are ready to enjoy! To make your Cajun seasoning pop, use fresh spices. You can mix paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I love adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. If you want more depth, include dried thyme or oregano. This mix will elevate your dish. For juicy chicken, I recommend pan-searing. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat. This gives a great golden crust. Always check the internal temperature. You want it to hit 165°F for safe eating. Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it moist. To get that perfect creamy texture, add heavy cream slowly. Stir it in gently to prevent lumps. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well too. Adjust the amount based on how creamy you want it. Adding smoked paprika boosts flavor and richness. Serve these bowls with a side salad or crusty bread. The freshness of greens balances the dish. You can also pair it with a light white wine. For a fun twist, try adding avocado or corn. Don’t forget the green onions and parsley for a bright finish! Pro Tips Chicken Resting: Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Rice Rinsing: Rinse your rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps achieve fluffier rice that's less sticky. Cream Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream. Just stir in gently to avoid curdling. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy sauce for a zesty finish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a rich flavor without dairy. This swap keeps the dish creamy and delicious. The coconut flavor pairs nicely with Cajun spices. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying while staying meat-free. To boost the flavor, add some lime juice or hot sauce. A splash of lime gives a fresh taste. Hot sauce adds heat and excitement. You can also mix in some fresh herbs, like thyme or cilantro. These ingredients will elevate your Cajun chicken rice bowls! You can store your creamy Cajun chicken rice bowls in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Always check for any off smells before eating. To freeze, portion out the rice bowls into freezer-safe containers. Before sealing, make sure they cool completely. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat on low until warm. Always check the temperature before serving. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can! While long-grain rice works best for this dish, you can use other types. Jasmine or basmati rice are good choices. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Short-grain rice may become too sticky, so keep that in mind. No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning. Combine equal parts paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. This mix will still give you that great Cajun flavor. To add more heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. Another option is to add hot sauce to the creamy sauce. You can also chop fresh jalapeños and mix them in with the vegetables. Adjust the spice to match your taste. Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and sauce ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat them on the stove. Slice the chicken fresh and add it on top for the best taste. This guide covers easy chicken bowl recipes, from ingredients to storage. You learned about key ingredients, substitutions, and tools needed. We explored each step to cook delicious chicken, sauté veggies, and make a creamy sauce. I shared tips for seasoning, cooking methods, and serving ideas. You also discovered variations for dairy-free options and flavors. Remember, cooking is fun and flexible. Try new things and enjoy your meal!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring seasoned chicken, creamy rice, and sautéed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts liberally with Cajun seasoning, along with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate before slicing into strips.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and translucent, which adds a lovely flavor base to the dish.
  • Incorporate Rice and Broth: Add the rinsed long-grain rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains in the vegetable mixture. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the contents to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth fully.
  • Create the Creamy Sauce: After the rice has cooked, lower the heat slightly and gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), along with the smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if necessary, mixing until everything is well combined and creamy.
  • Slice the Chicken: While the rice is simmering, take the rested chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips.
  • Assemble the Bowls: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy Cajun rice mixture into each bowl. Neatly arrange the sliced chicken strips on top for a beautiful presentation.
  • Garnish and Serve: Finish the bowls by sprinkling sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley on top, adding a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Cajun chicken rice bowls!

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, rice bowls