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.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Rice And Beans Recipe
- 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.
- Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and navy beans, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
- Convenient and Quick: This Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the long cooking time.
Ingredients For Cajun Rice And Beans
- 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.
How To Make Instant Pot Cajun Beans And Rice
Step One: 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 Two: Add the garlic and cook briefly until heated through. Spread the rice in an even layer over the sautéed vegetables.
Step Three: Then, add the beans on top of the rice. Sprinkle the seasonings over the beans. Do not stir the mixture.
Step Four: Pour the chicken broth over the top of the seasonings.
Step Five: 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 Six: 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 Seven: 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 Eight: Your delicious Instant Pot 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.
Tips For Cooking Perfect Cajun Beans And Rice
- 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.
Variations Of This Cajun Rice And Beans Recipe
- Spicy Sausage Edition: Swap chicken with smoked sausage for a spicier, Cajun-inspired twist with an extra kick of flavor. Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving for a luxurious and creamy finish.
- Cajun Chicken and Bean Stew: Swap out the Chicken Breasts for flavorful chicken thighs for a richer taste. Combine canned great northern beans and cannellini beans for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Cajun White Chicken Chili: Use dry beans instead of canned for a hearty and homemade touch. Season with Cajun seasoning and chili powder for an extra kick of heat. Top with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a colorful finish.
How To Store And Reheat Cajun Rice And Beans
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Instant Pot Cajun White Beans and Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Transfer the white beans and chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw: Defrost the Instant Pot Cajun white beans and chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Warm the white beans and chicken in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking.
What To Serve With Cajun Beans And Rice?
- 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.
- 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.
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.
