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Dreadful Cleanup Gone: 1 Perfect One-Skillet Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

One-Skillet Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

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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.

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

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Gently stir in the frozen peas (if using) until they are heated through.
  10. 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.

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