Cajun Chicken Bowl

Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavor-packed Cajun Chicken Bowl. Perfectly seasoned chicken meets a colorful medley of peppers, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. This easy-to-prepare meal brings the bold, spirited flavors of Southern cooking straight to your kitchen, offering a satisfying balance of spice and freshness.

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Whether you are looking for a reliable weeknight staple or a colorful dish for meal prepping, this bowl is designed to impress. The combination of textures—from the tender chicken to the crunch of sautéed bell peppers—makes every bite an enjoyable experience.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
• Rice: 200 g (1 cup) long-grain white rice, 480 ml (2 cups) water, ½ tsp salt
• Vegetables & Beans: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 yellow bell pepper (diced), 1 small red onion (diced), 150 g (1 cup) sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed), 400 g (1 can) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Garnishes: 1 avocado (sliced), fresh cilantro (chopped), lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the rice

Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

2. Prepare the chicken

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 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes, then slice.

3. Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in corn and black beans; cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Assemble bowls

Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with sautéed vegetables and beans, then sliced chicken. Garnish with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your chicken remains juicy, let it rest for at least two minutes before slicing. If you enjoy a bit of extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken seasoning during the preparation step.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a whole-grain alternative, you can substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa. This recipe is also highly adaptable; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, or swap the black beans for pinto beans if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

This bowl is excellent when served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra creaminess. To round out the meal, pair it with a crisp lager or a light, refreshing white wine.

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With a total time of just 45 minutes, this Cajun Chicken Bowl is a fast, easy, and healthy way to bring Southern-inspired cuisine to your table. Enjoy the colorful presentation and the rich, smoky flavors of this satisfying meal.

Recipe Q&A

→ How spicy is this bowl?

The spice level is medium and comes from the Cajun seasoning. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning, or incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer it extra spicy.

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber. Just note that brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and vegetables gently, then assemble fresh bowls. The rice may need a splash of water when reheating.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes! Grilling adds excellent smoky flavor. Marinate the seasoned chicken for 30 minutes, then grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.

→ What other proteins work with these flavors?

Shrimp, andouille sausage, or even tofu would pair beautifully with these Cajun spices and vegetables. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen protein.