YumVerseEats
Cajun Comfort
Cajun Chicken and Rice Soup
A cozy Cajun chicken and rice soup with the holy trinity, smoky seasoning, and tender rice in a rich broth.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
20
min
Active Time
40
min
Total Time
6
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Simmering the rice right in the broth lets it soak up the Cajun seasoning. Shredding the chicken back in spreads it through every spoonful.
Ingredients
Protein
• 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
Pasta & Grains
• ¾ cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to Make It
1
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning.
2
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown chicken 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
3
Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4
Pour in broth, smoked paprika, and thyme. Return chicken and simmer 12 minutes.
5
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
6
Add rice and simmer 15 minutes until tender.
7
Top with green onions and serve.
How to Make It
1
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning.
2
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown chicken 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
3
Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4
Pour in broth, smoked paprika, and thyme. Return chicken and simmer 12 minutes.
5
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
6
Add rice and simmer 15 minutes until tender.
7
Top with green onions and serve.
Ingredients
Protein
• 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
Pasta & Grains
• ¾ cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store up to 3 days; rice absorbs broth, so loosen when reheating.
Reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop, adding broth to bring the texture back.
Swaps
No chicken broth? Use the same amount of vegetable broth.
Avo's Tip
Rice keeps drinking the broth as it sits, so keep extra broth on hand to loosen leftovers.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice holds up well; for meal prep, cook it separately and add per bowl.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end and simmer to heat through.
How is this different from the rice skillet?
This is a brothy soup meant for spooning, while the skillet is a drier one-pan dinner.
Quick Fixes
Rice drank the broth: add more broth; rice keeps absorbing.
Too spicy: stir in a splash of cream.
Meal-prepping: cook the rice separately so it doesn't get soft.
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