Cajun Chicken and Rice Delight
A flavorful and comforting dish combining chicken, rice, and vibrant vegetables with Cajun spices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups diced onions and bell peppers
- 1 10-ounce can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the rice, water (or broth), and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 14 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and keep covered to steam.
- While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Generously season the chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and brown the other side. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and increase the heat to high. Carefully add the diced onions and bell peppers. Season with more Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and browned.
- Stir in the can of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chiles, then return the browned chicken to the pot along with any juices from the plate. Add the cooked rice and mix until everything is well combined. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like corn or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.