Get ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering Cajun masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Dirty Rice Stuffed Chicken isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, bold traditions of Louisiana cooking with a simple yet spectacular technique that turns basic chicken breasts into a gourmet experience. Imagine tender, juicy chicken packed with a savory, spice-infused rice mixture that brings the heart of Cajun cooking right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté with the ground beef for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the cooked rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create the dirty rice filling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally, creating a pocket without completely separating the halves. Season the chicken breasts inside and outside with additional salt and pepper.
- Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the prepared dirty rice mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed and packed gently.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour chicken broth around the chicken to keep the meat moist during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Always butterfly your chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket for stuffing, ensuring consistent cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For extra moisture, don't skip adding chicken broth to the baking dish—it helps keep the chicken tender and prevents drying out.
- If you want to enhance the Cajun flavor, consider making your own seasoning blend or using a high-quality Cajun spice mix.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- For a crispy top, consider broiling the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 272kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
