Transport your taste buds to the vibrant, flavorful bayou with this scrumptious Cajun Chicken and Rice dish. Juicy chicken tenders nestled in aromatic and spicy basmati rice make for a deliciously satisfying meal that's both comforting and hearty. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
🐔 12-13 chicken tenders
🌶️ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🫒 3 tablespoons oil
For the Rice:
🍚 5 cups basmati rice
🌶️ 1 red bell pepper
🌶️ 1 jalapeño, deveined
🧅 1 medium-sized onion
🧄 2 cloves garlic
🌶️ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
🥄 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍅 2 tablespoons tomato paste
🫒 2 tablespoons oil
🍗 5 cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
1- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
2- Season the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken tenders with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Let it marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add 2 more tablespoons of oil if necessary. Add diced garlic, jalapeño, onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about a minute until the onions become translucent.
5- Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the vegetables. Add chicken bouillon, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
- Add the soaked and drained rice, stirring to coat the grains with the seasonings thoroughly.
- Pour in chicken broth or water, then nestle the chicken tenders back into the pot.
6- Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7- Serve:
- Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed. Serve hot and enjoy the delightfully bold flavors.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
Proteins: 30g
Fats: 12g
Carbohydrates: 80g
Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, spatula, knife, cutting board
Cooking Tips
- For added flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the quantity of jalapeño and Cajun seasoning.
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