Cajun Blackened Chicken and Rice Bowls
Cajun Blackened Chicken and Rice Bowls are a delightful fusion of bold flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken, seasoned with a zesty Cajun spice blend, is served over fluffy rice and accompanied by sautéed bell peppers and onions. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together around the table. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, these bowls promise to impress your guests or make any weeknight dinner special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop bell peppers and onion; let chicken sit at room temperature.
- Make the blackening spice mix: Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken: Generously rub spice mix over each chicken breast.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until blackened and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Remove chicken from the pan; add onions and bell peppers to the leftover oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook rice: Add rice and chicken broth to the skillet; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
- Assemble bowls: Layer rice first, top with sliced blackened chicken and sautéed veggies, drizzle with lime juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options. Enhance flavor by cooking rice in broth rather than water; consider adding herbs during cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.