Spicy Cajun Chicken with Zesty Coriander Lime Rice Recipe

Sizzling spices dance across tender chicken in this mouthwatering cajun chicken with coriander and lime rice that promises to ignite your taste buds.

Bold cajun seasonings create a fiery embrace around succulent meat, promising a flavor explosion.

The zesty lime and fresh coriander rice serve as the perfect cool companion to the spicy protein.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of heat and brightness that will transport you straight to Louisiana’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or tasted this remarkable.

Layers of complex flavors merge seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this spice-packed sensation that balances heat and freshness with expert precision.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 3

Cajun Chicken and Coriander Rice: Full Ingredient List

• Long Grain Rice: Versatile staple that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose high-quality rice for best texture and taste.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice perfectly, use fresh and clean water.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy with Cajun spices, select fresh, plump breasts for maximum flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning: Vibrant spice blend that adds zesty kick, look for authentic Cajun mix or create your own blend.
• Cooking Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and prevents sticking, choose high smoke point oil like vegetable or grapeseed.

• Fresh Coriander: Bright herb that adds fresh, citrusy notes, select bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Lime: Provides tangy zest that elevates the entire dish, choose firm, heavy limes with smooth skin.
• Avocado: Creamy element that balances spicy chicken, pick ripe but firm avocados with slight give.
• Red Peppers: Sweet, charred vegetable that adds color and smoky flavor, select firm peppers with vibrant color.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness when grilled, choose firm onions with no soft spots.

Tools and Tool to Cook This Spiced Meal

• Large pan: Perfect for boiling rice with plenty of space.
• Sieve: Essential for draining rice after cooking.
• Cast iron griddle pan: Key for achieving those delicious charred marks on chicken and vegetables.
• Chopping board: Needed for resting chicken and slicing after cooking.
• Fork: Great for fluffing rice and mixing in fresh herbs.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting chicken, peppers, and chopping avocado.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for portioning Cajun seasoning.
• Cooking tongs: Convenient for turning chicken and vegetables on the griddle.

Cooking Directions for Cajun Chicken and Rice

• Rice Preparation

Boil water and cook rice until tender, then drain thoroughly.

• Chicken Seasoning

Coat chicken breasts with Cajun spices and oil, then grill on high heat until perfectly charred and cooked through.

• Vegetable Grilling

Quickly char peppers and onions on the same griddle, creating a smoky flavor profile.

• Herbal Rice Finish

Fluff rice with fork and mix in fresh coriander and lime zest for bright, zesty notes.

• Plate Assembly

Layer sliced chicken over rice, top with grilled vegetables and creamy avocado chunks for a colorful, vibrant meal.

Tips for Adjusting Heat and Herbs

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning intensity by adding more or less depending on your spice tolerance. Experiment with homemade or store-bought blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before grilling. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create an even surface that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same Cajun seasoning for a plant-based alternative. Portobello mushrooms also make an excellent meat substitute with a similar meaty texture.
• No fresh coriander? Use dried herbs or substitute with parsley for a similar fresh flavor. Frozen lime zest works just as well if you don't have fresh limes on hand.
• Double the recipe and store grilled chicken and vegetables in separate containers for easy lunch prep. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

Serving Ideas for This Bold & Bright Combo

• Zesty Sidekick Platter: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lime vinaigrette to complement the bold Cajun flavors and add freshness.
• Spice Lover's Companion: Add extra hot sauce or sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning for those who crave more heat and want to amp up the dish's intensity.
• Refreshing Drink Pairing: Pair with a chilled Mexican beer or a citrusy white wine like sauvignon blanc to balance the spicy chicken and cut through the richness of the avocado.
• Crowd-Pleasing Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for an extra burst of color and a pop of herbaceous flavor that enhances the overall presentation.

How to Store and Reheat This Spiced Dish

• Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Chop chicken and vegetables in advance for quicker cooking during busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, maintaining maximum flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers, keeping meals fresh for up to 2 weeks – perfect for quick lunch or dinner options.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and ensure tender, succulent bites that burst with Cajun spice.

Spicy Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun chicken with coriander and lime rice delivers bold Louisiana flavors balanced with zesty rice. Herbs and spices create an exciting plate that welcomes bold palates eager for Southern-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (skinless)
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) Cajun seasoning
• 150 g (¾ cup) long grain rice
• 0.5 red bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
• 0.5 yellow bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
• 0.5 green bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
• 1 brown onion (small, peeled and sliced)
• 1 avocado (peeled, de-stoned, and chopped)
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) olive oil
• 1 small bunch coriander (cilantro, roughly torn)
• Zest of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Submerge rice in water within a generously sized pot, simmering for 15 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain comprehensively using a colander, ensuring minimal moisture retention.
2. Griddle Setup: Ignite a cast iron griddle pan to high heat, lightly lubricating the surface with culinary oil for optimal cooking conditions.
3. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Lavishly coat chicken breasts with Cajun spice blend, massaging oil into the meat. Flatten chicken to uniform thickness and place onto the blazing griddle, creating an immediate sizzling contact.
4. Protein Cooking: Grill chicken for 7-10 minutes, executing a midpoint rotation to guarantee uniform charring and complete internal cooking. Allow the meat to rest momentarily on a cutting surface.
5. Vegetable Caramelization: Utilize residual griddle oil to sauté sliced peppers and onions, creating an even layer. Rotate vegetables periodically to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior within 5-6 minutes.
6. Rice Enhancement: Delicately separate rice grains using a fork. Integrate freshly chopped coriander and vibrant lime zest, mixing thoroughly to distribute herbaceous flavors.
7. Plating Composition: Layer rice into serving vessels, strategically positioning diagonally sliced chicken breasts atop the fragrant base. Distribute roasted peppers and onions surrounding the protein.
8. Final Garnish: Crown the dish with diced avocado, introducing a creamy, verdant element that elevates the visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Griddle Technique: Use a cast iron pan at high heat for perfect charring and creating a crispy, caramelized exterior on chicken.
• Seasoning Tip: Massage Cajun spices directly into chicken to ensure deep flavor penetration and even coating.
• Resting Meat Matters: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tender, succulent texture.
• Rice Refresh: Fluff rice with a fork and add fresh herbs and citrus zest to elevate the simple grain into a vibrant side dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg