Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines spicy, tender chicken with fluffy rice and a creamy, zesty mayo drizzle. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep that never feels boring.

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.
7. Step 7: Serve with lime wedges if desired and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover or cold rice for the best texture and ease of preparation.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of hot sauce in the mayo.
• Store chicken and rice separately to maintain crispiness and freshness when meal prepping.
• For extra veggies, add sautéed bell peppers or steamed broccoli to your bowl.

Storage

Store the cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet to retain its crispiness or microwave briefly. Reheat the rice separately before assembling the bowl. Add fresh green onions and mayo drizzle after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the spicy mayo drizzle?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise to reduce fat and add a tangy twist, but the texture will be slightly different.

Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

This Crispy Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, hearty meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served atop fluffy white rice and topped with a spicy mayo drizzle and fresh green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this bowl blends crispy textures with creamy and spicy elements for a satisfying and vibrant dish.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

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

For the Rice Bowl

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

For the Spicy Mayo Drizzle

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices and oil.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is crispy on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest briefly before slicing into strips.
3. Make the Spicy Mayo Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha or your preferred hot sauce until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice level to taste.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Reheat cooked white rice if necessary and divide it evenly between serving bowls. Top the rice with the sliced Cajun chicken, drizzle generously with the spicy mayo, and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top.
5. Serve: Add lime wedges on the side for an optional fresh squeeze over the bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the tasty combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Use leftover or cold rice for the best texture and to avoid mushy grains.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the mayo drizzle.
• For convenient meal prep or leftovers, store the cooked chicken, rice, and spicy mayo separately to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, crispy chicken, rice bowl, spicy mayo, quick dinner, one-pan meal, Cajun seasoning, easy recipe