🍽️ Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade — see below)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, diced
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1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
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2 ¼ cups chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika, red pepper flakes for extra heat
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
1. Season and brown the chicken:
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Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning.
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In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken until browned (3–4 mins per side); remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
2. Sauté veggies:
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In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add rice and broth:
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Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
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Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Return chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Make it creamy:
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
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Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes until creamy and thickened.
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Season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
5. Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
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Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
🌶️ Quick Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
Mix together:
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp thyme
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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Salt & pepper to taste
🔁 Variations:
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Add sliced andouille sausage or shrimp for a Cajun combo!
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Use brown rice — just increase broth and cook time accordingly.
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Sub coconut milk for a dairy-free version (it’s awesome!).
Let me know if you want a one-pan oven-baked version or a slow cooker version!
