Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
divided
- 1 tablespoon oil
olive or avocado
- 1 small onion
diced
- 3 garlic cloves
minced
- 1.5 cups white rice
I have used regular white, Jasmine and parboiled rice with success
- 1 bell pepper
diced), (I've also used 1-2 cups of frozen peas, carrots and corn instead
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1.75 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Directions
- 1
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This helps remove starches that may otherwise scorch at the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- 2
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make then thinner. Season well from both sides with Cajun seasoning (about 2 teaspoons).
- 3
Optional step: Soften first the onion and then garlic with the oil using the sauté function. Deglaze with a couple tablespoons of water and scrape up any brown bits. There should be NOTHING left stuck to the bottom, otherwise the Instant Pot will not be able to pressurize properly.
- 4
Then add bell peppers, tomato paste and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste and more heat). Stir until well combined.
- 5
Pour the broth over the veggie mixture and arrange the chicken breast halves over top. Now spread the rinsed rice on top and DO NOT stir!
- 6
Close the lid and turn the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for 7-8 minutes (the latter at high altitude).
- 7
Let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 5 minutes, then release remaining pressure by turning the valve to ‘Venting’.
- 8
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.
- 9
Serve with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
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About this Recipe
Looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that practically cooks itself? This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a delicious, full meal straight from your pressure cooker, making dinner simple and satisfying.
This recipe shines thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, combining chicken, rice, and vegetables into one harmonious dish with minimal fuss. It's designed for efficiency, delivering authentic Cajun-inspired flavors without multiple pots to clean, making it a true one-pot wonder.
You'll experience tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and soft vegetables, all infused with a robust Cajun seasoning. The dish is comforting and savory, offering a hearty texture that’s both filling and incredibly satisfying. The well-rinsed rice ensures a pleasant texture, soaking up all the rich flavors from the broth, tomato paste, and aromatics.
Feel free to get creative with your vegetables; instead of a diced bell pepper, you can easily use 1-2 cups of frozen peas, carrots, and corn for a different twist and added convenience. For the rice, this recipe is quite forgiving: regular white, Jasmine, or parboiled rice all work wonderfully to achieve the desired texture. You can also adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning you add.
This flavorful dish is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a complete meal in one pot. It also makes for excellent leftovers, providing convenient and tasty lunches for the days to follow.