Description
How to make one pan creamy Cajun chicken rice with tender chicken, aromatic spices and creamy sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & 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 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
Cajun Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
Creamy Elements
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with half the Cajun seasoning. Let sit 5 minutes while you prep vegetables – this helps flavors penetrate the meat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd – work in batches if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to same pan. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and remaining spices, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice, coating with oil and spices for 1 minute. This toasting step adds nutty flavor and helps prevent mushy rice later.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to pan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Make Creamy: Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese pieces. Let stand covered 5 minutes, then fluff gently with fork before serving.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped green onions and extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed – every palate is different!
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while rice cooks or steam escapes and rice becomes unevenly cooked.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if desired, but sauce won’t be as thick.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste – some brands are saltier than others.
- Let cream cheese soften completely before adding to prevent lumpy sauce.
- Toast rice with spices briefly for deeper, more complex flavor development.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g