Description
A rich, spicy, and comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in one skillet in about 30 minutes. This recipe uses leftover rice and chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken cubes dry and toss with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in uncooked rice and remaining Cajun seasoning. Toast rice in the butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not lift the lid during the simmering step to ensure proper steam cooking. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness as Cajun seasoning is salty. Shred your own cheese for better melting. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun chicken, one pot dinner, creamy rice, weeknight meals, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, skillet dinner