Description
This flavorful Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice recipe combines spicy, seasoned chicken breasts with fragrant basmati rice infused with fresh lime and coriander. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, the dish balances bold Cajun spices with bright, zesty accents for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove the pan from heat, and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Season the Chicken: While the rice cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 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, or until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Finish the Rice: Once the rice is cooked and fluffed, stir in the lime zest, lime juice, fresh coriander, and olive oil. Season with salt to taste and mix well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the sliced Cajun chicken over a bed of the coriander and lime rice. Garnish with extra fresh coriander and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For more depth of flavor, make your own Cajun seasoning blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Using chicken broth instead of water will enhance the rice’s flavor.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness—adjust amount to your taste preference.
