Description
How to make one pan creamy Cajun garlic butter chicken rice with tender chicken, aromatic spices and rich sauce that brings comfort to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cajun Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Aromatics and Flavor
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients for maximum flavor absorption.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining butter to the same pan. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add Rice: Stir in rice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toast for 1-2 minutes until rice is lightly coated and fragrant with all the spices.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Return chicken to pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
- Simmer Rice: Cook covered for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Don’t lift the lid during cooking or you’ll release essential steam.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, taste for seasoning, and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while rice cooks or steam escapes and rice won’t cook evenly.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning for the best golden sear.
- Let dish rest 5 minutes off heat before serving for perfectly fluffy rice.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your family’s heat tolerance level.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days in refrigerator.
- Add splash of broth when reheating to restore creamy texture.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 34g