Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and easy meal that combines tender, spicy chicken with fluffy rice and a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, it offers bold Cajun seasoning and a touch of heat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Once the skillet is hot, add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha or hot sauce to make the spicy mayo drizzle.
5. Step 5: If needed, reheat cooked rice and divide it between serving bowls.
6. Step 6: Top rice with sliced chicken, drizzle with spicy mayo, and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and use a hot skillet.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra veggies and color.
• Adjust the sriracha amount in the mayo to control the heat level.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh green onions and a squeeze of lime after reheating for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly and avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas seasoned with Cajun spice. The spicy mayo and rice remain excellent accompaniments.

Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

This Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken thighs crisped to perfection and served over fluffy white rice. Topped with a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle and fresh green onions, this dish combines bold Cajun flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice Bowl

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Spicy Mayo Drizzle

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Heat skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prepare the pan for cooking the chicken.
2. Season chicken: In a bowl, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the spices and oil.
3. Cook chicken: When the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is crispy on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice into strips.
4. Make spicy mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha or hot sauce until fully combined to create a creamy spicy mayo drizzle.
5. Reheat rice: If the cooked white rice is cold, reheat it gently until warm. Then divide the rice evenly into serving bowls.
6. Assemble bowls: Top the rice with the sliced Cajun chicken, drizzle the spicy mayo over the top, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve with optional lime wedges for added brightness.

Notes

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful meat with a nice crispy exterior.
• Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to taste or substituted with your preferred spice blend.
• For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha in the mayo drizzle.
• Leftover cooked rice can be used to save time, just be sure to reheat properly.
• Serve with lime wedges to add a fresh tangy zest that complements the spicy chicken.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, rice bowl, spicy mayo, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet chicken, Cajun seasoning