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Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet with Rice

A spoonful of creamy Cajun chicken skillet with rice, red peppers, and parsley being lifted from the pan.
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Make this easy, one-pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Skillet with Rice for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken cooked together with rice.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the vegetables and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Check the rice halfway through and stir gently if needed.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
  • If the rice seems too dry before it is fully cooked, add 1/4 cup more broth or water and continue cooking covered.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich.

Nutrition

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