Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a savory and satisfying one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is packed with bold Cajun flavors and hearty ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
How To Make:
To make this dish, you'll need an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, along with some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You'll start by sautéing some chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper in the Instant Pot until they're soft and fragrant. Then, you'll add in some diced chicken breast and Cajun seasoning and sauté until the chicken is cooked through.
Next, you'll add in some long-grain white rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. You'll stir everything together and lock the lid of the Instant Pot in place. Then, you'll set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is up, you'll allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Once the pressure has been released, you'll stir in some chopped green onions and parsley and serve the chicken and rice hot. The result is a flavorful and filling meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party with friends.
This recipe is flexible and can be altered to your preferences. If you like your food spicier, you can add more Cajun seasoning or some cayenne pepper. If you're a fan of vegetables, you can add some chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mix. And if you're looking for a healthier option, you can use brown rice instead of white rice and chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful chicken.
Brown the chicken before pressure cooking to add more flavor to the dish.
Use a mix of chicken broth and tomato sauce for a flavorful base.
Use long-grain white rice for the best results.
Don't stir the rice after adding it to the pot to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
Variations:
Version for vegetarians: Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock. Add sliced mushrooms and diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Seafood version: Replace the chicken with shrimp or a mix of shrimp and andouille sausage. Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Spicy version: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the recipe for a spicier kick.
Creamy version: Add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the recipe after pressure cooking for a creamy, rich flavor.
Mexican version: Replace the Cajun seasoning with taco seasoning and use salsa instead of tomato sauce for a Mexican twist. Serve with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can dice tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Season the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning and set aside.
Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and select the sauté setting.
Once the oil is hot, add the onion and green bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the chicken and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until browned on all sides.
Add the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot, and stir to combine.
Make sure the valve is set to "sealing" and that the Instant Pot's cover is well fastened.
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
After the allotted cooking time has passed, allow the pressure to naturally release for ten minutes before gently releasing any leftover pressure.
If using, add the parsley that has been chopped and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice!