Description
A flavorful one-pot Cajun Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked with vibrant vegetables and rice, then topped with fresh mango and cilantro for a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 celery stalk (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, preferably red)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon butter (as needed)
- 2 mangoes (diced, optional)
- Handful cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Rub olive oil all over the chicken breasts, then season thoroughly with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to ensure the flavor coats the meat evenly.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 tablespoon honey to the butter. Add the chicken breasts and brown them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. If the pan seems dry, add an additional tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, mixing well to coat the rice and vegetables with spices.
- Add Liquid and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the browned chicken breasts to the pan, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice with a scoop of diced mangoes, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing to add a refreshing finish.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan for even cooking and to prevent burning.
- If fresh mango isn’t available, pineapple chunks make a great tropical alternative.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- For chicken thighs, cooking time may be slightly longer to ensure thorough cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 404 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 628 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
