Introduction
This delightful dish features a medley of vibrant vegetables paired with succulent chicken thighs, all seasoned to perfection with a Cajun-style twist. With the addition of fluffy rice and sweet corn, this one-tray meal is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 red onions
3 mixed-color peppers
8 free-range chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
3 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning
300g long-grain rice
4 corn cobettes
2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce
2 tablespoons natural yogurt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
2. Peel and quarter the onions, breaking them into petals. Deseed and roughly chop the peppers into chunks. Place both on a large roasting tray (35 x 40cm).
3. Add the chicken thighs to the tray, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and rub everything with the Cajun-style seasoning. Roast for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is golden and cooked through.
4. Remove the tray from the oven. Pour the rice around the chicken, add 2 mugs of boiling water (600ml), and place the corn cobettes in the tray. Season with sea salt and black pepper, add a few shakes of peri-peri sauce, and stir everything together.
5. Return the tray to the oven and cook at the bottom for 20 minutes, or until the rice and chicken are cooked and golden. Increase the heat to 200°C/400°F/gas 6 and cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy top.
6. Serve with dollops of natural yogurt and additional peri-peri sauce, if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and quarter the onions, breaking them into petals. Deseed and roughly chop the mixed-color peppers into chunks. Place both the onions and peppers on a large roasting tray measuring 35 x 40cm.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Add the eight free-range chicken thighs, skin on and bone in, to the tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub everything thoroughly with the 3 tablespoons of Cajun-style seasoning. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Rice and Corn
Remove the tray from the oven. Pour 300g of long-grain rice around the chicken thighs, and add 2 mugs (600ml) of boiling water. Place the 4 corn cobettes in the tray. Season with sea salt and black pepper, and add a few shakes of peri-peri sauce. Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 5: Cook the Dish
Return the tray to the oven and cook at the bottom for 20 minutes or until the rice and chicken are cooked through and golden. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C/400°F/gas 6 and cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy top.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the dish with dollops of natural yogurt and additional peri-peri sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Cooking Time
Total cooking time includes 40 minutes of roasting and an additional 25 minutes for the rice and crispy top.
Substitutions
You may substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Roasting
Roasting is a dry heat cooking method that involves cooking food evenly in an oven. In this recipe, the chicken thighs and vegetables are roasted until caramelized and tender, enhancing their flavors.
Seasoning
Seasoning is essential for adding flavor to dishes. The Cajun-style seasoning used in this recipe infuses the chicken and vegetables with a spicy depth that complements the overall dish.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently over low heat in liquid. In this recipe, rice is cooked in boiling water added to the roasting tray, allowing it to absorb flavors from the chicken and vegetables.
Broiling
Broiling is a cooking technique that uses high heat from above to give food a crispy texture. By increasing the oven temperature at the end of the cooking process, the dish achieves a golden and crispy top.
Serving
Proper serving enhances the dining experience. This dish is served with dollops of natural yogurt and optional peri-peri sauce, providing a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. However, adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy and cooked through.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To enhance the spiciness, add more Cajun seasoning or increase the amount of peri-peri sauce used in the recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the cooking process accordingly.
What can I substitute for natural yogurt?
You can substitute natural yogurt with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
This flavorful Cajun chicken and rice dish, combined with vibrant vegetables and a zesty kick from the peri-peri sauce, creates a satisfying and wholesome meal that is sure to please any crowd. The harmony of spices and ingredients brings a delightful taste to the table, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Use the seasoned chicken thighs in corn tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco night.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix leftover rice with chicken and spices, stuff into halved bell peppers, and bake until the peppers are tender for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Cajun Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté the roasted chicken with fresh vegetables and serve over rice or noodles for a quick and healthy stir-fry option.
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Transform leftovers into a hearty chowder by adding diced potatoes, corn, and cream, simmering until thickened and creamy.
Cajun Rice Salad
Toss leftover rice with black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
