One Pot Chicken and Rice
This One Pot Chicken and Rice is a flavorful meal made with seasoned chicken, Cajun spices, rice, bell peppers, and corn, all cooked together in a single pot for a quick and comforting dinner ready in 30 minutes.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips or cubes
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper sliced into strips
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper sliced into strips
- ⅓ cup frozen corn
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pot, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is seared and golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Incorporate the Seasonings and Rice
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the uncooked rice, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and frozen corn. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed, and the spices coat the chicken and vegetables thoroughly.
Simmer Until Fully Cooked
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to cook for 20-25 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid completely, and the chicken should be fully cooked through.
- Note: If the rice finishes cooking before the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the lid for the final few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a small splash of broth and continue cooking.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken and rice. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate the cilantro evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced jalapeños or extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
To ensure this recipe is completely gluten-free:
- Cajun Seasoning: Confirm your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free, as some blends may contain fillers with gluten.
- Chicken Broth: Use a gluten-free labeled chicken broth, as some varieties may contain wheat additives.
- Corn: Frozen corn is typically gluten-free but double-check packaging for potential cross-contamination.