Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
This is a complete one-pan dinner where bacon fat does most of the heavy lifting for flavor. The homemade cajun seasoning is way better than store-bought and you probably have all the spices already.
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Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp thyme
- 1 Tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Main Dish
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 bell peppers diced
- 4 stalks celery diced
- ~2 lbs chicken breasts about 6 pieces
- 8 pieces bacon sliced
- 3 cups white rice
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 3 lemons
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 cloves garlic diced
- 1 Tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- Season chicken breasts with half the cajun seasoning plus salt and pepper.
- Cook sliced bacon in large skillet over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until crispy.
- Add butter and olive oil to bacon fat, increase heat to medium, then sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and celery to skillet with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp cajun seasoning.
- Cook 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir rice into vegetables until coated.
- Add chicken stock and juice of 1 lemon, then nestle chicken back into skillet.
- Bring to boil, cover, reduce to simmer, and cook 15-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and chicken reaches 165F.
- While rice cooks, combine heavy cream, diced garlic, tomato paste, and remaining cajun seasoning in separate saucepan.
- Heat over low 5-7 minutes until thickened, then add juice of 1 lemon and whisk.
- Pour cream sauce over cooked rice and chicken.
- Remove chicken, slice, and toss everything together.
- Squeeze remaining lemon over top before serving.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!