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Flavorful Cajun Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe with Fresh Veggies Easy and Homemade

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A quick and easy cajun chicken and rice bowl featuring spicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies for a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or baby kale, roughly chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish)
  • Optional hot sauce or sour cream for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Add rice and 2 cups chicken broth to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Cook in batches if needed. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add sliced red onion and diced bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes release juice.
  5. Return cooked chicken to skillet with veggies. Stir well to combine and warm through for 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more cajun spice, salt, or pepper if needed.
  6. Spoon a generous serving of rice into each bowl. Top with cajun chicken and veggie mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Add hot sauce or sour cream on the side if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure a good sear. Let rice rest covered after cooking for fluffier texture. Adjust cajun seasoning to taste to control spice level. Use a rice cooker as an alternative for cooking rice. For gluten-free, verify seasoning blend. Variations include swapping rice for cauliflower rice or tofu for chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun chicken, rice bowl, easy dinner, quick recipe, fresh veggies, homemade, spicy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-and-rice-bowl-recipe-with-fresh-veggies-easy-and-homemade/