Cajun Chicken Over Rice
A flavorful Cajun chicken over rice dish featuring tender chicken, bold spices, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 large tomatoes peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried whole marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder and set aside.
- Combine tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, basil, marjoram, and oregano in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the Dutch oven and bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the cooked chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Worcestershire and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried ones can be substituted, but use half the amount. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the mix. This dish pairs well with Texas White Chili for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun chicken over fluffy hot rice, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs nicely with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Jessica'S Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. For quick reheating, a microwave dish works well, but cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Chicken Over Rice contains roughly 424 calories, with 17g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (192% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1475mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and are often more forgiving in terms of cooking time. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a homemade mixture of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce can work well.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve over fresh rice when ready to enjoy. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).