Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice - Delicious Dinner Idea for Busy Nights

Looking for a dinner that hits all the high notes—flavor, comfort, and zero stress? This Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice is exactly what your busy week needs. We’re talking juicy chicken coated in homemade Cajun seasoning, cooked with smoky bacon, tender rice, and the classic Cajun holy trinity (celery, peppers, and onions). Everything simmers together in a creamy, irresistible sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant… but nope, it came from your kitchen. FYI: this is one of those Family Meals With Chicken that instantly becomes a weekly repeat.

What makes this dish such a winner? First, big, bold flavor. You get smoky bacon, savory spices, and a little spicy kick that keeps things exciting. That creamy Cajun sauce? Absolute perfection. It delivers the cozy comfort of a casserole while still staying vibrant and fun—even IMO, a little addictive. And yes, it totally fits into Healthy Clean Dinner Ideas because you control the ingredients, the seasoning, and the richness.

Plus, it’s one-pan magic. Seriously—everything cooks together, which means the rice absorbs all the chicken drippings, veggie goodness, and broth. Less cleanup, more flavor, and more time to actually relax. Need Dinner Ideas High Protein Low Calorie? This checks that box, too. You’ve got lean chicken, wholesome rice, and veggies that all land nicely in the Low Calorie Chicken Meal Prep category.

And don’t think creamy means “too heavy.” A splash of cream brings everything together without overpowering the dish. It’s the perfect balance for people wanting Chicken Rice Healthy Recipes with just a touch of indulgence. It even fits into Chicken Ww Recipes, Protein And Healthy Fats Meals, and Cajun Chicken Recipes Healthy, making it a surprisingly versatile dish.

So, ready to spice up your routine? This is one Dinner With Heavy Cream that feels comforting, exciting, and just a little sassy—exactly what dinner should be.

Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice

Author: Alma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner

This dish packs huge flavor with minimal effort—juicy chicken rubbed in homemade Cajun spices, crisp bacon, and tender rice all simmered together in a rich, creamy Cajun-style sauce.

Ingredients

Cajun Spice Blend:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Chicken & Rice:

• 1 diced yellow onion
• 2 diced bell peppers
• 3 diced celery stalks
• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 lemons
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Mix the Cajun seasoning.
   Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne in a small bowl. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
2. Prep and sear the chicken.
   Coat the chicken with half of the seasoning mix (save the rest for later) and add salt and pepper as needed. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the chopped bacon until the fat melts out, about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. Drop in a tablespoon of butter and a splash of olive oil, raise the heat to medium, and brown the chicken for roughly 3 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside once seared.
3. Cook the veggies.
   Toss the onion, peppers, and celery into the same skillet. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and about a teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and smell amazing.
4. Add rice and simmer.
   Stir the rice into the vegetables so the grains get coated. Pour in the chicken stock, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and nestle the chicken back into the pan. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Make the sauce.
   In a separate pan, combine the cream, garlic, tomato paste, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Warm the mixture on low heat until slightly thickened. Add the juice from the second lemon, whisk well, and season with a pinch of salt.
6. Bring it all together.
   Once the rice is done, pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. Stir everything together, slice the chicken, and fold it back in so every bite is coated.

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