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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Griddle Setup: Ignite a cast iron griddle pan to high heat, lightly lubricating the surface with culinary oil for optimal cooking conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rice Enhancement: Delicately separate rice grains using a fork. Integrate freshly chopped coriander and vibrant lime zest, mixing thoroughly to distribute herbaceous flavors.
- 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.
- 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