Cajun Chicken & Rice Skillet
Juicy, seasoned chicken cooked with rice, bell peppers, and bold Cajun spices in one skillet. A quick, flavorful, and hearty meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon butter if needed
- 1 celery stalk thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper diced (red preferred)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Pat the chicken dry and rub it down with olive oil. Coat both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Stir in the honey for a touch of caramelization. Sear the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
In the same skillet, add celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors. If needed, add another tablespoon of butter to keep everything from sticking.
Stir in uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, return the chicken to the skillet, and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and a scoop of mango salsa if you want to level up the flavor.