Cajun Chicken Bowl

A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring Cajun-spiced chicken served over fluffy rice, with black beans, sweet corn, and colorful peppers for a satisfying Southern-inspired meal. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the bold and savory essence of American Cajun cuisine straight to your dinner table in just 45 minutes.

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Whether you're looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a meal-prep friendly lunch, this Cajun Chicken Bowl delivers. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty lime creates a multi-layered flavor profile that the whole family will enjoy.

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, 400 g (1 can) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Garnishes: 1 avocado (sliced), fresh cilantro (chopped), lime wedges

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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 success, use a medium saucepan with a lid for the rice and a large skillet for the chicken and vegetables. Essential tools include a cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon or spatula. Rinsing the rice is a key step to achieve a fluffy texture without excess starch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken. You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain option. This dish is also great served with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added creaminess.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the bowls immediately while warm, ensuring each portion gets a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. This meal pairs excellently with a crisp lager or a light white wine. Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 13g of fat, and 54g of carbohydrates.

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This Cajun Chicken Bowl is a satisfying and wholesome meal that perfectly balances spicy chicken with sweet corn and earthy beans. It's an excellent choice for a quick dinner that never compromises on taste or texture.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate and adjustable. Cajun seasoning delivers a pleasant warmth without being overwhelming. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer more intensity, or reduce the seasoning for a milder version.

→ Can I use different proteins?

Shrimp, turkey breast, or even firm tofu work beautifully with these seasonings. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp needs only 2-3 minutes per side, while turkey may require slightly longer than chicken.

→ What rice alternatives can I use?

Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice make excellent substitutions. Brown rice adds nutty flavor and fiber but extends cooking time to about 45 minutes. Quinoa cooks in 15 minutes and boosts protein content.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Rice and vegetables reheat well in the microwave, though chicken stays moistest when warmed gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Cook rice and chop vegetables up to 2 days ahead. Season and cook chicken fresh for best texture, or prep it in advance and reheat gently before assembling bowls. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.

→ What other toppings work well?

Sour cream, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of ranch dressing complement the bold flavors. Diced tomatoes, green onions, or a squeeze of fresh orange juice also add bright contrast.