Cajun Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

Spiced chicken over rice with peppers, beans, and corn for a hearty meal.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Cajun seasoning creates a savory crust on the chicken that makes every bite deeply flavorful without any marinating time.
  • Everything cooks in two pans, so cleanup is quick and you're not left with a pile of dishes after dinner.
  • You can adjust the spice level easily, making it mild for kids or adding cayenne for those who love the burn.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day when the flavors have mingled overnight.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with a gummy, sticky mess instead of light, separate grains.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking or all the flavorful juices will leak out the moment you slice into it.
  • Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, not high, or the peppers will char on the outside while staying crunchy inside.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the Cajun spices stick and form a flavorful crust instead of steaming off.
  • Use the same skillet for chicken and vegetables to capture all the browned bits and layer in extra flavor.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for richness that balances the heat perfectly.
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