If you're in the mood for something hearty and packed with Southern charm, this Instant Pot Cajun Rice And Beans Recipe is just the thing. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a kick of Cajun spices for a meal that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, it all comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, making dinner a breeze.
If you're a fan of beans be sure to check out the following tasty recipes packed with goodness: Four Bean Salad, Roasted Chickpea Wraps With Sweet Potato, Easy Channa Masala or our simply delicious Vegan Baked Beans recipe.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Flavorful and Spicy: The Cajun seasoning and spices give this Instant Pot Cajun White Beans and Chicken a bold and spicy flavor that's sure to excite your taste buds.
- Convenient and Quick: This Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without a long cooking time.
🥘 Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish while preventing sticking.
- Onion: Adds savory sweetness and depth of flavor to the Cajun white beans and chicken.
- Celery: Provides a subtle herbal note and adds texture to the dish.
- Green Bell Peppers: Contribute freshness and a mild peppery flavor to the Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken recipe.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic pungency and depth into the Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken dish.
- Rice: Serves as a hearty base for the Cajun white beans and chicken, adding texture and substance.
- Navy Beans: Provide creaminess and protein to the dish, soaking up the flavors of the Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: Infuses the dish with bold, spicy flavors characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
- Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes to complement the Cajun spices.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base and enhances the overall flavor profile of Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Offer lean protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy beans and flavorful broth.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Add richness, acidity, and depth of flavor to the dish, creating a luscious sauce.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Go homemade—ditch the canned beans and use dry ones for a from-scratch, hearty vibe. Cajun seasoning + chili powder = spicy magic.
- Sausage swap—trade chicken for smoked sausage for a bold, Cajun-inspired kick. Stir in sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creamy goodness.
- Thighs for the win—use juicy chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more flavorful stew. Mix great northern and cannellini beans for the dreamiest texture.
🔪How To Make Instant Pot Cajun Beans And Rice
- Step 1: Set the electric pressure cooker to “sauté” and wait until it indicates “hot.” Add olive oil to the Instant Pot, followed by chopped onion, celery, and bell peppers. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Step 2: Add the garlic and cook briefly until heated through. Spread the rice in an even layer over the sautéed vegetables.
- Step 3: Then, add the beans on top of the rice. Sprinkle the seasonings over the beans. Do not stir the mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the chicken broth over the top of the seasonings.
- Step 5: Lay the chicken pieces on top of the contents in the pot. Pour the tomatoes over the chicken. Again, do not stir. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” mode and set the timer for 22 minutes.
- Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken from the pot and dice or shred it according to your preference.
- Step 7: Stir the contents of the Instant Pot well to combine all the flavors. Add the diced or shredded chicken back into the pot and mix well.
- Step 8: Your delicious Cajun Beans and Rice dish is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own or with your favorite side dishes.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Adjust Consistency: If the Instant Pot Cajun White Beans and Chicken is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can swap the kidney beans for other types, like black beans or pinto beans. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of beans you choose. Canned beans will also work if you're short on time.
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply omit any meat-based ingredients like sausage or bacon. You can add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. To reheat, use the microwave or heat it in a pan on the stove, adding a little water or broth if it seems too dry.
Yes! If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the hot peppers. For more heat, you can add additional cayenne pepper or some spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Store any leftover Instant Pot Cajun White Beans and Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Transfer the white beans and chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Defrost the Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Beans:
- Jalapeno Cornbread: A classic Southern accompaniment, cornbread complements the spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting addition to your Instant Pot white beans.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy and aromatic rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that pairs well with Cajun dishes. Prepare it with chicken broth, onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs for added flavor.
- Sauteed Greens: Cook up a batch of sauteed greens such as collard greens, kale, or spinach. Season them with garlic, onion, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a bright and tangy contrast to the Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken.
- Red Cabbage Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing and crunchy element to balance out the spiciness of the Cajun flavors. Make it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing like vinegar-based coleslaw dressing or creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roast sweet potato wedges or cubes until caramelized and tender. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the spicy Cajun seasoning and adds a pop of color to your plate.
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Instant Pot Cajun Rice And Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion diced
- 4 Stalks Celery diced
- 2 Green Bell Pepper seeded and diced
- 6 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Cups Rice rinsed well
- 2 Cans Navy Beans 15 oz
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast Skinless and Boneless
- 1 Can Crushed Tomatoes 15 Oz
Instructions
- Set the electric pressure cooker to the “sauté” function and wait until it indicates it is “hot.”
- Add olive oil to the Instant Pot. Then, add the chopped onion, celery, and bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook just until it is heated through.
- Spread the rice in an even layer over the sautéed vegetables. Then, add the beans on top of the rice. Sprinkle the seasonings over the beans. Do not stir the mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top of the seasonings. Lay the chicken pieces on top of the contents in the pot. Pour the tomatoes over the chicken. Again, do not stir.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” mode and set the timer for 22 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and dice or shred it according to your preference.
- Stir the contents of the Instant Pot well to combine all the flavors. Add the diced or shredded chicken back into the pot and mix well.
Notes
Nutrition
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This Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Beans is a weeknight winner! I love how the layers of flavor come together—starting with the sautéed onion, celery, and bell pepper, then building with Cajun seasoning, navy beans, and juicy chicken breasts. The crushed tomatoes add just the right amount of richness. Sometimes I swap in smoked sausage for a spicier twist or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in one pot—what’s not to love?