Cajun Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Flavor-packed Cajun-spiced chicken over rice with vegetables and beans

# Required Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
05 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables and Beans

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
12 - 1 small red onion, diced
13 - 1 cup sweet corn kernels
14 - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes, then slice.
03 - In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and red onion, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in corn and black beans, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with sautéed vegetables and beans, then sliced chicken. Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The entire meal comes together in under 45 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel way less stressful than they should.
  • You get to control the heat level, so whether you love gentle spice or your mouth on fire, this adapts to you without complaint.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and packed with enough protein and vegetables that you'll actually feel satisfied, not just full.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned black beans, as that starchy liquid will make your entire bowl taste too salty and muddy your other flavors.
  • Cajun seasoning varies wildly between brands, so taste your chicken before it's fully cooked and adjust if it's too mild or too spicy for your preferences.
  • The chicken finishes cooking while resting, so don't panic if the center looks slightly pale when you first pull it from the pan.
03 -
  • If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the chicken seasoning or drizzle hot sauce over the finished bowl and let people control their own spice level.
  • Cook your rice in chicken broth instead of water for a subtle depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is without you having to explain.
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