Description
How to make One Pot Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rice with tender chicken, aromatic spices and fluffy rice that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 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
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Finish
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prep vegetables – this helps the flavors penetrate.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove to plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Rice: Stir in rice, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toast for 1-2 minutes until rice is lightly coated and aromatic.
- Simmer Everything: Pour in chicken broth and return seared chicken to pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Melt butter with minced garlic in small pan, then stir into rice along with cayenne to taste.
- Serve Hot: Fluff rice gently with fork, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Don’t lift the pot lid during simmering or steam escapes and rice won’t cook evenly.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality.
- Substitute brown rice but increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes and add extra broth.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and optimal flavor experience.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste – start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness since Cajun seasoning contains salt already.
Allergy Information: None
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 28g