Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 bunches scallions, sliced (reserve some green tops for garnish)
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup quick-cooking brown rice
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no added sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: smoked turkey sausage or andouille, sliced
Instructions
1-Season chicken: Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2-Brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high; brown chicken in batches without crowding, then set aside.
3-Sauté aromatics: Add scallions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, scraping up browned bits.
4-Toast rice and spices: Stir in brown rice and Cajun seasoning; cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
5-Add liquids and return chicken: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices; return chicken to pot and add optional turkey sausage.
6-Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to low; simmer about 30 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
7-Reduce excess moisture: If needed, uncover and cook a few extra minutes to evaporate remaining liquid.
8-Garnish and serve: Spoon into bowls and shower with reserved green scallion tops.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
⚠️ Avoid overcooking the chicken during browning — you want it just golden, not cooked through, since it finishes in the simmer.
🧅 Do not rush sautéing the trinity (scallions, bell pepper, garlic); letting them soften and pick up color builds a sweet, deep flavor base.
❄️ Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and the flavors actually improve the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: South Beach Diet, High Protein, Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg