Cajun Chicken Bowl (Printable Version)

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

# 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, fresh or frozen
14 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium 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 1 tablespoon 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 cooked 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 Advice:

01 -
  • Gluten-Free: A naturally gluten-free dish that doesn't compromise on bold, smoky flavor.
  • Balanced Meal: Features a healthy mix of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables.
  • Quick Prep: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for effortless weeknight cooking.
02 -
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans well to ensure the colors of the peppers and corn stay bright and distinct.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if available to get an even better sear and smokier flavor on the Cajun chicken.
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