Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowls

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of spice and something dead easy to make? Have you ever tried proper Cajun cooking? This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is your answer.

It's packed with flavour, feels naughty, but it's actually kinda healthy. It could be your next favourite Chicken Protein Meals !

Brief Overview

Cajun cuisine comes straight from Louisiana, USA. It's all about bold spices and comforting food. This recipe is pretty easy and takes under an hour, start to finish.

It'll make enough for four decent sized bowls. Perfect for a Rice Meal Prep !

Main Benefits

This recipe will fuel your workouts with a ton of Protein And Rice Meals . These bowls make a fantastic Chicken Breast Meal Prep option, too! This is way better than your average boring Meal Prep Meals , and it totally delivers on flavor!

Get Ready to Spice Up Your Life

Honestly, Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Healthy doesn't sound very exciting, does it? You would be wrong!

I was trying to find something quick that wasn't just another Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe when i came up with the original take on this.

You can easily adapt it into a One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice dish to minimize clean-up. It’s that easy! Want a Quick Cajun Chicken Dinner ? It is ready in 30 minutes.

This recipe really hit the spot and I am glad to share with you.

Time for that shopping list!

Now you know what to expect, let's gather what you need. Trust me, it's all pretty basic stuff, nothing too fancy. You probably have half of it already!.

Get Ready to Spice Up Your Life

Honestly, "Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Healthy" doesn't sound very exciting, does it? You would be wrong! I was trying to find something quick that wasn't just another "Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe" when i came up with the original take on this.

You can easily adapt it into a "One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice" dish to minimize clean-up. It’s that easy! Want a "Quick Cajun Chicken Dinner"? It is ready in 30 minutes.

This recipe really hit the spot and I am glad to share with you. Time for that shopping list! Now you know what to expect, let's gather what you need.

Trust me, it's all pretty basic stuff, nothing too fancy. You probably have half of it already!.

Ingredients & Equipment for Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this awesome Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice bowl. Honestly, it's simpler than you think! No fancy chef skills required here, just a few key ingredients and some basic equipment.

Main Ingredients for this Delicious Protein And Rice Meals

First, the good stuff. Here's what you need, both in US and metric measurements. Think of this as your shopping list for success, the first step in great Rice Meal Prep .

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality chicken, you know? It makes a difference. Look for plump, pink Chicken Protein Meals , not pale or slimy ones.

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) for the chicken, 1 tbsp (15ml) for the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning: 2 tbsp (30ml). Now, you can buy this, but homemade is always better if you have the time.

• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (5ml).

• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml).

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously!

• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped (about 1 cup/115g).

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.

• Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced (about 1 cup/140g).

• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml), low sodium.

• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). Full fat coconut milk works too if you're dairy-free.

• Cream Cheese: 2 tbsp (30g). Vegan cream cheese is fine for a dairy-free Chicken Breast Meal Prep .

• Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp (15ml).

• Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml), optional. Tabasco is great, or use whatever you've got.

• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (6g), chopped.

• Cooked Rice: 2 cups (400g). Brown, white, or even cauliflower rice for those counting carbs Meal Prep Meals . Just cook it according to the package instructions.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret to Cajun Flavor

The Cajun seasoning is key for that Spicy Chicken and Rice Bowl flavor. You can buy a pre-made blend, but I like to mix my own.

Garlic powder and smoked paprika are essential. These flavors really make the Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe pop. If you are in hurry or want it Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice Healthy just buy the ingredients and make it your version for an amazing Quick Cajun Chicken Dinner or One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice .

Essential Equipment

Don't stress about fancy gadgets. You really only need a large skillet or Dutch oven. A cutting board and chef's knife are a must for chopping.

Measuring cups and spoons are always helpful, although I'll be honest, I often eyeball it. A rice cooker is handy, but you can easily cook rice on the stove! Simple, right?

Let's Talk Cooking Method for Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice !

Okay, so you want to nail this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice? The cooking method is key, mate. It's not just chucking stuff in a pan.

There is a bit of finesse involved, and I’m going to show you how! Honestly, this recipe is killer because it's got that Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe vibe, but it's also super easy.

Perfect for a Rice Meal Prep . Let's dive in.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onions, dice that bell pepper, measure out your spices.

Honestly, it’s a game changer. It stops you flapping around like a headless chicken when things get hot in the kitchen, you know? Having everything ready makes the whole process so smooth.

From Zero to Hero: The step-by-step

1. Spice It Up: Coat your chicken cubes with olive oil and that glorious Cajun seasoning. Don't be shy, the more flavour the better!
2. Sear It Good: Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken. Sear until browned and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
3. Veggie Time: Sauté the chopped onion until softened. Then, toss in minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook until tender crisp.
4. Sauce Boss: Pour in chicken broth and simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom. This adds flavour! Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Chicken Reunion: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir it well to coat the chicken evenly, ensure everything is piping hot.
6. Bowl Assembly: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the Creamy Cajun Chicken. Garnish with parsley!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

• Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. This ensures the chicken browns properly, instead of steaming. Browned chicken equals better flavour!
• Worried about overcooking the chicken? I get it. Use a meat thermometer! Seriously, it's your best friend for perfectly cooked Chicken Protein Meals .
• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the sauce while simmering and keep stirring until desired thickness.

There you have it: Delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice . It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're in New Orleans, even if you're just in your kitchen.

It's amazing, really, perfect for a Chicken Breast Meal Prep . Now, go whip up a batch, grab your favourite pint, and enjoy.

Trust me, you won't regret it! It’s the perfect Meal Prep Meals for the week, and who doesn’t want to look forward to that?

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice

Let's chat about making this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe your own. Honestly, the beauty of cooking is tweaking things to fit your taste, right? I've been whipping this up for ages, so I’ve picked up a few tricks.

It's so versatile. Perfect for Meal Prep Meals and easy enough to make a Quick Cajun Chicken Dinner . It's a total winner for Chicken Protein Meals .

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Bowl

Okay, so first impressions count, yeah? For plating, think about layering. Start with a bed of fluffy rice I’m partial to brown rice for that extra nuttiness.

Then, spoon on the creamy Cajun chicken, making sure you get plenty of that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour and freshness.

I love adding a lime wedge for a bit of zing!

As for sides, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is ideal. It cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, some grilled asparagus would be lush. For drinks? An ice-cold glass of sweet tea goes down a treat! It's perfect with this Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe .

Storage Savvy: Keep It Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers? Lucky you! For refrigeration, pop the chicken and rice into separate airtight containers. They'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Honestly, it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld.

Freezing is also an option! Let the chicken and rice cool completely before freezing in freezer safe bags or containers. They'll last for up to 2 months .

When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and then microwave or reheat in a pan on the stove. I've done that a lot in my Rice Meal Prep .

Always make sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) !

Variations: Make It Your Way

Got dietary needs? No worries! For a dairy-free version, use full fat coconut milk instead of cream and vegan cream cheese. Boom!

Need it gluten-free? Just make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. Double check those labels.

As for seasonal swaps, try adding roasted butternut squash in the autumn or some fresh corn in the summer for a seasonal twist!

Nutrition Nuggets: Fuel Your Body

This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice Healthy bowl is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken. It's also a good source of carbs for energy, especially if you go for brown rice.

We use chicken for Chicken Breast Meal Prep quite often! It keeps us going for hours. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the creamy sauce.

Everything in moderation, as my nan always says!

So, there you have it! A few extra notes to help you nail this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice dish.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Enjoy your Spicy Chicken and Rice Bowl !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice ahead of time? Is it good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is fantastic for meal prep. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just store the rice separately from the chicken and sauce to prevent it from getting soggy, then reheat everything together when you're ready to eat simples!

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice? My Nana isn't fond of too much heat!

That's a fair question; spice levels are so personal! The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice is that you can totally control the heat. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and skip the hot sauce altogether.

You can always add more at the end if you want a bit more of a kick a little goes a long way!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this dish, and how long will it last?

Storing leftovers is a doddle. Allow the Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Make sure to store the rice separately if possible. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe?

Good thinking! Chicken thighs are a great substitute. They have a bit more fat, which keeps them juicy and flavourful during cooking. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cubing them. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're cooked through, but other than that, go for it!

Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice? I'm trying to cut back on dairy!

Definitely! You can easily make this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk for a similar richness, and use vegan cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You won't even notice the difference it's still incredibly creamy and delicious!

What are some good side dishes to serve with Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice?

You've got plenty of options there, mate! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness, or some steamed green beans would be a healthy addition. If you're feeling indulgent, a slice of warm cornbread is always a winner.

And if you're looking for some refreshment, try a glass of unsweetened iced tea or lemonade!