Cajun Chicken Bowl (Printable version)

Flavor-packed Cajun chicken over rice with beans, corn and peppers

# What you need:

→ 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 (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

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

# Steps to follow:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water. Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, 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, then fluff with a fork.
02 - Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and rest for 2 minutes, then slice.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and red onion, sautéing 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in corn and black beans, cooking 2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Divide rice among 4 bowls. Layer sautéed vegetables and beans on top, then add sliced chicken. Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in under an hour, but it tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The Cajun spice coats the chicken with a smoky kick that plays beautifully against the sweetness of corn and peppers.
  • You can prep the rice and veggies ahead, then sear the chicken right before serving for a stress free dinner.
  • It feels like a restaurant bowl, but you control the heat, the toppings, and every last bite.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or it will turn gummy and clump together instead of staying light and fluffy.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking or all the juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying inside.
  • Use the same skillet for the vegetables so they soak up the spiced oil and caramelized bits left behind by the chicken.
03 -
  • Press the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning so the spices stick and the sear is deep and even.
  • Toast the Cajun seasoning in the hot oil for 30 seconds before adding the chicken to bloom the spices and unlock their full flavor.
  • Squeeze lime over the entire bowl right before eating, not just on the avocado, because the acidity pulls everything together.
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