This Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, flavorful Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s a simple yet bold dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or for impressing guests. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (salt-free, if possible)
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2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt (divided)
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 large bell pepper, diced
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1 cup chopped celery
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6–7 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1¼ cups uncooked white basmati rice (rinsed well)
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2½ cups chicken broth or stock
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1 lemon, juiced
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½ cup heavy cream
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Shaved Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions
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In a large cold skillet, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and about 1 teaspoon of salt. Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes until browned, but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, sautéing for about 8 minutes.
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Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the rice and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
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Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
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Stir in the cream and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add the chicken back into the pan along with any juices, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
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Serve with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.
Nutrients (per serving, approximate)
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Calories: 661
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Carbohydrates: 60g
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Protein: 41g
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Fat: 29g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Cholesterol: 206mg
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Sodium: 1897mg
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugar: 5g
Why a Dutch Oven?
A Dutch oven is the ideal vessel for this recipe due to its versatility and ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. Its heavy, thick walls allow for the perfect sear on the chicken and ensure that the rice cooks uniformly, absorbing the flavorful Cajun sauce. The beauty of using a Dutch oven is that everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into each ingredient, from the rice to the chicken to the vegetables. This eliminates the need for multiple pans and makes cleanup a breeze.
The Dutch oven also provides a consistent temperature, allowing for the even cooking of both the rice and chicken. As a result, you achieve a perfectly cooked dish where the chicken is juicy and tender, and the rice is fluffy and full of flavor.
The Cajun Spice Kick
Cajun seasoning is the star of the dish when it comes to adding flavor and depth. With a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning gives the dish its signature bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The seasoning enhances the chicken and the vegetables, infusing the rice with a warmth and spice that’s both comforting and exciting. For those who prefer a milder dish, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking or even choose a milder version of the spice blend. Either way, this seasoning brings the perfect balance of flavor to the dish, creating a savory sauce that coats the rice and vegetables beautifully.
The Richness of Cream and Chicken Broth
The addition of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that elevates the entire dish. The chicken broth provides a deep, savory base, while the heavy cream adds richness and a luxurious texture that makes the dish feel indulgent. This combination of liquid ingredients helps cook the rice, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors from the Cajun seasoning, vegetables, and chicken. The creamy sauce also prevents the dish from feeling dry, making each bite juicy and satisfying.
The chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor, while the cream balances the spice and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. The combination of both creates the perfect creamy base for the chicken and rice, ensuring that every component is tender, flavorful, and coated in the rich sauce.
The Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
The chicken thighs are the perfect choice for this dish due to their tenderness and ability to stay juicy throughout the cooking process. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out when cooked for longer periods, chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain moist and flavorful. As the chicken cooks, it infuses the rice with flavor and moisture, creating a deliciously tender texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
By searing the chicken thighs first, you create a caramelized, flavorful crust that adds to the depth of the dish. This browning process helps lock in the chicken’s juices, ensuring that each bite is succulent and packed with flavor. Once the chicken is added back into the Dutch oven, it continues to cook gently, becoming even more tender as it simmers in the creamy sauce.
A Balance of Vegetables and Rice
The vegetables in this dish—onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic—provide a vibrant, aromatic base that enhances the flavors of the chicken and rice. Sautéing these vegetables in olive oil before adding the rice and liquids helps bring out their natural sweetness, which balances the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning. These vegetables contribute a subtle crunch and freshness that complements the rich, creamy sauce.
Basmati rice is an excellent choice for this dish due to its long grains and fragrant aroma. As the rice absorbs the flavorful broth and cream, it becomes tender and infused with the savory sauce. The basmati rice cooks to perfection, providing a light, fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the hearty chicken and vegetables. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors, making each bite an explosion of taste.
Simplicity and Convenience
One of the main advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. The fact that everything cooks in one pot means less mess and fewer dishes to clean up afterward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a dinner gathering.
The dish also offers a great deal of flexibility. While the recipe calls for specific vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and celery, you can easily swap them out for other vegetables you may have on hand. Carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms would all work well in this dish, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your taste or make use of what’s available in your kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. Because the dish stores well and reheats beautifully, it’s an excellent choice for preparing ahead of time. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The rice and chicken keep their texture and flavor even after being refrigerated, and you can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
The dish’s versatility also makes it easy to adapt for different dietary needs. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. For a gluten-free option, this recipe already uses gluten-free flour, so it’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. The combination of vegetables, protein, and rice ensures that you’re getting a balanced, nutritious meal, no matter how you choose to adapt it.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delicious on its own, it can be complemented with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken and rice, providing a light, refreshing contrast. Alternatively, you could serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed greens like spinach or kale to add more color and nutrients to the meal. If you’re looking to add some extra flavor, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the dish even further.
For those who prefer an extra kick of heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top. These simple additions can give the dish a boost of spice and flavor, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Conclusion
Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice is the perfect combination of rich, flavorful chicken, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s a dish that is simple to prepare, comforting to eat, and versatile enough to be enjoyed for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal to impress guests, this one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and minimal cleanup, it’s destined to become a family favorite. The recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and spice levels to suit your tastes. Whether served with a side salad or topped with fresh Parmesan cheese, Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice is a hearty, nutritious meal that will quickly become a staple in your home.