Welcome to Your Next Meal Prep Favorite!
Hey there! Are you ready to spice up your meal prep routine? I’ve got just the recipe for you: Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bowls! Not only are these bowls absolutely delicious, but they’re also packed with protein, making them perfect for keeping your energy up throughout the day. Plus, the creamy sauce gives it a rich, decadent touch that makes it feel like a treat!
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not just satisfying; it’s also loaded with nutritional goodness! Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is key for muscle building and repair. You get that healthy dose of energy and nutrition to keep you going. With the heavy cream, while it adds richness, it’s also a great source of calcium. And let’s not forget the rice—carbs are essential for fueling your body and helping you feel full until your next meal!
Adaptable Variations
One of the best things about meal prep is how you can customize recipes to fit your needs! Here are a few fun ideas:
- Try a Lighter Version: Substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce that’s still creamy and tangy.
- Make it Veggie-Friendly: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Change the Rice: Instead of white rice, use brown rice or quinoa to add more fiber. They’ll bring their own flavors and hearty textures!
- Custom Seasoning: Not a fan of Cajun seasoning? You can easily make a spicy rub with smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder to give it a unique twist!
Your Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Let’s get started! First, grab your chicken and massage that Cajun seasoning all over the chicken breasts. Add a bit of salt and pepper too. Set them aside so they can soak in all that flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Then, add the long-grain white rice, cover it up, and turn the heat down to low. Follow the package instructions (usually around 18-20 minutes) until the rice absorbs all that flavorful broth.
- While the rice is cooking, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they have that beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that they hit 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit. Take a moment to taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if you need to.
- Once your rice is cooked and fluffy, divide it among meal prep containers or cozy bowls.
- Now it’s time to slice those rested chicken breasts into juicy strips and lay them over the rice in each bowl.
- Drizzle that creamy sauce all over the top—it’s the best part!
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Let these fantastic bowls cool down before sealing them up for storage. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Need to store leftovers? Keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to reheat to avoid the rice getting mushy.
- If you love spice, feel free to add some cayenne pepper to that creamy sauce to crank up the heat!
- These bowls can last up to four days in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this drool-worthy dish:
- A medium saucepan for the rice
- A skillet for cooking the chicken
- A meat thermometer to ensure perfect chicken
- A cutting board and knife for slicing
- Meal prep containers or bowls for your servings
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes! Just be aware that brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
- Is this recipe spicy? The Cajun seasoning has a bit of kick, but you can adjust the amount to fit your spice tolerance!
- Can I freeze these meal prep bowls? Yes! They freeze well; just make sure to let the sauce cool before sealing.
- What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? You can substitute with yellow mustard or even a bit of lemon juice for added tang.
- How can I make this dish more colorful? Add some sautéed bell peppers or steamed broccoli for extra nutrients and color!
I can’t wait for you to try these Creamy Cajun Chicken & Rice Bowls! After whipping up this dish, let me know how it turned out! Share your creations by following me on Pinterest and tagging your culinary adventures. Let’s keep cooking delicious meals together!
