Make a quick and flavorful Cajun Chicken Jambalaya right in one skillet. This recipe brings the spicy, comforting taste of Louisiana to your dinner table fast.
Author:Jen Rwanda
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:One-Skillet/Stove-Top
Cuisine:Cajun/American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, uncooked rice, remaining Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid while simmering.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Gently stir in the frozen peas (if using) until they are heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level for your family.
For a deeper flavor, you can brown the chicken more thoroughly before removing it.
Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid for proper rice cooking.