Easy Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe: Spicy Joy

Cajun chicken ignites a culinary adventure that reimagines ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Robust spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of bold flavors and zesty sensations.

The vibrant blend of seasonings promises a mouthwatering journey through southern-inspired cooking traditions.

Warm, golden-brown crusts develop a delectable exterior that seals in rich, succulent textures.

Aromatic spices weave complex layers of heat and depth into every single bite.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to this dynamic dish, promising a remarkable dining encounter.

Passionate home cooks will find themselves transported to a world of intense, memorable flavors.

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice That’s Bold and Bright

• Sizzle with Spicy Flavor: The Cajun seasoning brings a bold, zesty kick that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal bursting with intense southwestern-style heat.
• Quick Griddle Magic: Cooking chicken and vegetables on a hot cast iron griddle creates beautiful char marks and locks in incredible smoky flavors in just minutes, making this a super-fast weeknight dinner solution.
• Fresh and Vibrant Finish: Bright lime zest and fresh coriander elevate the rice, adding a citrusy, herbaceous layer that perfectly balances the spicy chicken and creates a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a winner for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques or multiple dirty dishes.

Spicy, Zesty Ingredients in Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main dish, best when fresh and at room temperature for even cooking.
• Avocado: Creamy topping that adds healthy fats and rich texture to the dish.

• Rice: Fluffy base grain that provides a neutral background for bold flavors.
• Coriander (Fresh): Bright herb that brings freshness and aromatic quality to the rice.
• Lime: Adds zesty citrus flavor and helps balance the spicy Cajun seasoning.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and char when grilled.
• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spicy blend that gives the chicken a bold, distinctive flavor profile.
• Cooking Oil: Helps with grilling and prevents sticking to the griddle pan.

How to Cook Juicy Cajun Chicken and Fluffy Lime Rice Together

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add rice and simmer for 15 minutes until soft and tender. Drain completely in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil

Generously coat chicken with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Gently flatten breasts with palm for even cooking.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Heat cast iron griddle pan on high heat. Place seasoned chicken breasts on hot surface. Cook 7-10 minutes, flipping once, until exterior develops deep char marks and interior is fully cooked. Transfer to cutting board and let rest.

Step 4: Roast Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Red onions

Arrange vegetables in single layer. Grill 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally, until edges become slightly blackened and vegetables soften.

Step 5: Finish Rice

• Fresh chopped coriander
• Lime zest

Step 6: Plate and Serve

• Sliced chicken
• Grilled vegetables
• Diced avocado

Enjoy your vibrant Cajun chicken meal!

Flavor Tips to Balance Heat and Citrus in Cajun Chicken

• Maximize Flavor Intensity: Massage Cajun seasoning directly into chicken breasts to ensure deep, even flavor penetration.
• Perfect Griddle Technique: Use a cast iron griddle pan for superior char marks and enhance the smoky flavor profile of chicken and vegetables.
• Resting Meat Matters: Allow chicken to rest after grilling to retain juiciness and redistribute internal moisture.
• Zest Boost: Grate lime zest freshly over rice for a vibrant, aromatic citrus punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Vegetable Charring Secret: Arrange peppers and onions in a single layer while grilling to achieve consistent caramelization and prevent steaming.

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken, rice, and vegetables separate to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken gently in a microwave with a damp paper towel, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent dryness.
• Rice and Vegetables: Sprinkle a few drops of water on rice before microwaving to restore moisture, and quickly sauté vegetables in a hot pan to preserve their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Meals That Complement Cajun Chicken and Lime Rice Like a Charm

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: A refreshing lime margarita complements the Cajun spices and citrusy rice, cutting through the heat and adding a tropical twist to the meal.
• Serve with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: This light, acidic white wine balances the spicy Cajun chicken and enhances the lime and coriander flavors in the rice.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Salad: A light, fresh cucumber salad with a hint of mint provides a cooling contrast to the spicy chicken and adds a refreshing side to the dish.
• Complement with Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw helps temper the Cajun spices and adds a crunchy texture that perfectly rounds out the meal.

Regional Twists to Reinvent Cajun Chicken with a Fresh Angle

• Spicy Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish, using the same Cajun seasoning for a marine-inspired protein that cooks quickly and absorbs bold flavors.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute chicken with grilled lamb or chicken thighs, swap rice seasonings with oregano and lemon zest, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the Cajun seasoning and cooking method to maintain a similar smoky, spicy profile.
• Caribbean Style Remix: Use jerk seasoning instead of Cajun spice, add roasted plantains alongside peppers, and incorporate coconut-infused rice for a tropical flavor experience.

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun chicken brings Louisiana’s fiery spirit to your dinner plate, perfectly paired with zesty coriander lime rice. Each forkful delivers a spicy-tangy dance of bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) Cajun seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
• ½ yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 1 small brown onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 avocado, peeled, de-stoned, and chopped
• 1 small bunch coriander (cilantro), roughly torn
• Zest of 1 lime

Starches and Cooking Ingredients:

• 150 grams (¾ cup) dried long grain rice
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with water and introduce rice, allowing it to simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes until achieving a tender consistency. Transfer the cooked rice into a colander for thorough draining.
2. Meanwhile, activate a cast iron griddle pan at high temperature and lightly coat with culinary oil.
3. Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and massage half the allocated oil into the meat. Gently press the chicken to create a uniform thickness, then position onto the sizzling griddle surface.
4. Grill the chicken for 7-10 minutes, rotating midway, ensuring a robust charred exterior and complete internal cooking. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board for momentary rest.
5. Utilize remaining oil on the griddle to cook sliced peppers and onions in a single, even layer. Rotate vegetables periodically to achieve a light caramelized surface over 5-6 minutes.
6. Return to the drained rice, separating grains with a fork. Incorporate freshly chopped coriander and vibrant lime zest, mixing thoroughly.
7. Assemble dishes by distributing rice into serving bowls. Slice chicken breasts diagonally and arrange atop the herbaceous rice.
8. Complement the dish with roasted peppers, onions, and garnish with diced avocado for a final flourish of freshness and color.

Notes

• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect Cajun crust and better charring.
• Use high heat for griddle pan to create beautiful caramelization and lock in chicken’s juicy flavor.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining tenderness.
• Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for creamy, smooth texture.
• Fresh coriander and lime zest transform plain rice into a vibrant, zesty side dish.
• Cast iron griddle provides superior heat distribution and creates those delicious restaurant-style char marks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg