Description
A flavorful one-pot Cajun garlic butter chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a rich blend of Cajun spices. This hearty meal combines juicy seasoned chicken with perfectly simmered jasmine rice infused with a buttery tomato paste base, making it a comforting and easy dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp Avocado oil or any cooking oil
- 4 tbsp Salted butter, divided
Vegetables
- 1/2 each Red and Green bell pepper, diced
- 1 Yellow onion, diced
- 1 Jalapeno, diced (optional)
- 7-8 Garlic cloves, minced
Pantry
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Jasmine rice, washed and rinsed
- 2 cups Chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (e.g. Slap Ya Mama)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken and season both sides with about three-quarters of the Cajun seasoning blend, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken and allow it to rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes.
- Slice Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into serving pieces and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in diced red and green bell peppers and onion. Cook them down over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Add Butter and Tomato Paste: Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the tomato paste, stirring well to combine and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the skillet and stir continuously for a few minutes to lightly toast the grains, improving texture and flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining seasoning blend. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the rice and vegetables. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your Cajun garlic butter chicken and rice!
Notes
- Optional jalapeno adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- If using chicken breasts, monitor cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
- Using a well-seasoned skillet or cast iron pan enhances flavor development.
- For a gluten-free dish, verify that Cajun seasoning and broth do not contain gluten additives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
