Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cajun Chicken served over fragrant coriander and lime-infused basmati rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices and cooked to juicy perfection, complemented by the fresh zest and tang of lime in the rice.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coriander and Lime Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes or until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat, keeping it covered, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Season the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika if using, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice into strips.
- Finish the Rice: Stir the lime zest, lime juice, chopped coriander, and olive oil into the cooked and fluffed rice. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate the coriander lime rice and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with extra fresh coriander and lime wedges if desired for added brightness.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of water for richer-flavored rice.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to taste for mild or spicy heat.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Fresh coriander can be substituted with parsley if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
