Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a super easy and quick way to prepare a full Instant Pot chicken recipe with rice and veggies. Perfect for weeknights and leftovers make amazing lunches.
This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a super easy and quick way to prepare a full Instant Pot chicken recipe with rice and veggies. Perfect for weeknights and leftovers make amazing lunches.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves (minced)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 large chunks)
- 1 lb. chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or avocado)
- 1.5 cups white rice ((i have used regular white jasmine and parboiled rice with success))
- Carbohydrate 1.22212812434559 g
- Cholesterol 72.5747792 mg
- Fat 10.6205641812337 g
- Fiber 0.615843752629729 g
- Protein 24.9403522861005 g
- Saturated Fat 3.05296301049654 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 serving (233g)
- Sodium 252.412673271609 mg
- Sugar 0.606284371715861 g
- Trans Fat 0.929978611745054 g
- Calories 206 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner.
- Season well from both sides with Cajun seasoning (about 2 teaspoons).
- Heat the Instant Pot by pressing the ‘Sauté’ button. Once the display shows ‘HOT’, add the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until lightly browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze the pot with a few tablespoons of the broth. Make sure to scrape off any brown bits that may be stuck at the bottom.
- Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing ‘Cancel’.
- Then add rice, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste and for more heat). Stir until well combined.
- Pour the remaining broth over the rice mixture and carefully arrange the chicken breast halves over top.
- Close the lid and turn the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for 7-8 minutes (the latter at high altitude).
- Let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 5 minutes, then release remaining pressure by turning the valve to ‘Venting’.
- Once the pin drops, carefully open the lid. Shred the chicken with two forks, then stir to combine the Cajun chicken with the rice. You can adjust the seasoning to taste at this point.
- Serve with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding quick and healthy meals is a constant challenge. My kids are picky, my husband has a demanding job, and I need something that’s on the table in under an hour, ideally less. That's where this Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe comes in. It's become a staple in our household, a true weeknight lifesaver.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious kick, and the tender chicken and fluffy rice create a satisfying and complete meal. My kids even love it, and they’re usually pretty hard to please when it comes to dinner!
I often double the recipe, especially on busy weeks. The leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, either packed in my husband's lunchbox or for a quick and easy meal for myself when I'm short on time. The flavors actually improve overnight! Honestly, I sometimes make it just so I have delicious leftovers to look forward to.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Sometimes I add corn, or green beans if I have them on hand. It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have in the fridge. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference – more Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick, or less for a milder flavor.
The Instant Pot itself is a game-changer in our kitchen. It's streamlined the whole cooking process for me, reducing the amount of time I spend in the kitchen and allowing me more time to spend with my family. I used to dread weeknight dinners, but now, thanks to recipes like this, it’s actually something I look forward to.
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is surprisingly healthy. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the rice and vegetables provide essential carbohydrates and vitamins. It’s a balanced meal that keeps me feeling full and energized throughout the day. Plus, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into my family’s food gives me peace of mind.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, give this Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice a try. It's a recipe that will become a regular part of your dinner rotation, just like it has in ours. Trust me, it’s worth every minute of the minimal effort required. You'll be wondering why you didn't discover this sooner!
I highly recommend preparing a big batch because this dish only gets better as the flavours meld together. Make it a family affair. Get the kids involved in the chopping (under supervision, of course!), and let them experience the joy of creating a delicious meal together. It’s a perfect opportunity for bonding, too.
This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice isn't just a recipe; it's a shortcut to a healthier, happier dinner time. It’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food bringing families together. It’s efficient, it’s adaptable and it's consistently delicious.
