Cajun Chicken Bowl (Printable version)

Spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken over rice with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a hearty Southern-inspired meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. 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. 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 rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each with sautéed vegetables and beans, then sliced chicken. Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 45 minutes, which means dinner can actually happen on a busy day without stress.
  • Everything cooks in one skillet after the rice, so cleanup feels like a bonus rather than a burden.
  • The flavors are bold enough to feel indulgent but balanced enough that you'll actually feel good eating it.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken for those two minutes after it comes off the heat, because it lets the juices redistribute instead of running all over your plate.
  • The cilantro and lime aren't just pretty garnishes, they actually brighten everything and make the spices taste even more vibrant.
03 -
  • Buying pre-riced vegetables from the grocery store feels like cheating until you realize it actually saves time and this meal is still cheaper than takeout.
  • Make a double batch of rice and keep the extra in the fridge because it reheats beautifully and gives you a head start the next time you want to build a bowl.
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