Back in college, I started a tradition with my friends and roommates that I would cook up a big feast on Mardi Gras. This Cajun Rice Bake was served at the inaugural meal I made and it has been on the Mardi Gras table ever since. It is bursting with flavor and you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd.
Start by sautéing onions and peppers in olive oil. Add the sausages and brown well to bring extra flavor. Once the sausage is brown, add chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook well before mixing in rice, chicken broth and a can of tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer before transferring to the oven to bake for 35-45 minutes.
To make the Cajun Rice Bake, you will need the following ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 375 °F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large ovenproof pan. Sauté ½ a chopped red bell pepper, ½ a chopped green bell pepper and 1 medium chopped onion until they start to soften.
Place 2 chopped andouille sausages in the pan or Dutch oven and cook until browned all over.
Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Mix in 2 chopped chicken breasts and a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, until the chicken is cooked through, stirring often.
Add 1 ¼ cups of long grain rice and stir well. Pour 1 can of tomato sauce and 2 cups of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan.
Serve warm, garnished with green onions.
My friends and family would kill me if I didn’t serve this Cajun Rice Bake at my annual Mardi Gras feast. Try it out this year - you’ll love it! Please come back to leave a review telling me what you think!
Gluten Free Recipes
