Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice

Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice Recipe - Authentic Southern Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8 hours and 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs, smoked sausage, and a medley of vegetables with Cajun spices and rice. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Cajun cuisine, which originated in Louisiana and is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Cajun cooking is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, resulting in a unique and vibrant culinary tradition.

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs (about 2 lb or 907 g), skin removed
1 lb or 454 g lean smoked sausage, cut in 1 inch pieces
2 green bell peppers, coarsely chopped
2 medium yellow onions, coarsely chopped
1 cup sliced celery
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp chicken-flavored bouillon granules
4 McCormick™ bay leaves
1 tsp McCormick™ thyme leaves
1 tsp McCormick™ garlic powder
0.5 tsp McCormick™ ground black pepper
2 cups instant rice

How to prepare

Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
In a 3.5 or 4 qt (3.78 liter) crockery slow cooker, place the sausage, peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes, bouillon, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic powder.
Stir to blend everything well.
Top with the chicken and sprinkle with black pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the chicken is done and the vegetables are tender.
Add the rice and stir gently, yet thoroughly, to blend.
Cover and cook for 15 – 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Remove the bay leaves and chicken bones before serving.

Variations

Add shrimp or crawfish for a seafood twist.
Use different types of sausage, such as andouille or chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
Add extra vegetables, such as okra or corn, for more color and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken thighs before cooking to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Use lean smoked sausage to keep the dish lower in fat.

- Adjust the amount of Cajun spices to suit your taste preferences.

- Stir the rice gently to avoid breaking the grains while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe is cooked in a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld together slowly over time. The low and slow cooking method results in tender chicken and flavorful vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.

- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for the instant rice.

- Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the rice, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of cold beer or a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the chicken thighs and smoked sausage. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The proteins in this dish come from the chicken thighs and smoked sausage. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and onions, and iron from the chicken thighs and sausage.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and sausage, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cajun Chicken, Sausage and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a hot summer day in Louisiana, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie. She invited me over for lunch and promised me a taste of her famous Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice dish. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Marie greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of sweet tea. As we sat at her kitchen table, she began to tell me the story behind this delicious recipe. She explained that she learned it from her grandmother, who passed it down through the generations. It was a traditional Cajun dish that was perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

I watched in awe as Marie effortlessly chopped vegetables, seasoned the chicken and sausage, and cooked the rice to perfection. She moved with such grace and confidence in the kitchen, a true master of her craft. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After we finished our meal, I begged Marie to teach me the recipe. She laughed and agreed, happy to share her culinary secrets with me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, with Marie guiding me through each step of the process. She showed me how to properly season the chicken and sausage, how to sauté the vegetables, and how to cook the rice just right.

As we cooked together, Marie shared stories of her childhood in Louisiana, of family gatherings filled with laughter and love, and of the recipes that had been passed down through the years. I listened intently, soaking up every word like a sponge. I knew that this recipe was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a way to honor my heritage and the traditions of my ancestors.

By the time we finished cooking, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over Marie's kitchen. We sat down to enjoy our meal, savoring each bite of the flavorful Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect blend of spices and herbs that made my taste buds sing. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned how to make this dish, a piece of my culinary heritage that I could pass down to future generations.

From that day on, I made the Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice dish for every family gathering, for every special occasion. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Marie, to her grandmother, and to the long line of strong, talented women who had come before me. I knew that this recipe was more than just food – it was a story, a memory, a legacy that would live on through me.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing this dish for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the day I learned how to make Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of our heritage and our love for good food. And as I take that first bite, I know that the spirit of Marie and her grandmother lives on in every delicious mouthful.