Sweet Cajun Chicken Bites with Rice
- Serves
- 5 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Cost
- $14.00
- Nutrition
- 420 cal · 40g protein
- kid-favorite
- quick
- air-fryer
🍳 1 pan + air fryer · Picky-eater safe bet: plain rice
Sweet Cajun Chicken Bites with Rice is a weeknight dinner that serves 5 and is on the table in about 35 minutes, for around $14 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan + air fryer, and the 7 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain rice works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 3-quart saucepan with lidDon't have one? Amazon →
- Rimmed half-sheet panDon't have one? Amazon →
- 12-inch locking tongsDon't have one? Amazon →
- Instant-read meat thermometerDon't have one? Amazon →
- Air fryer (5–6 quart)Don't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 lb baby carrots
Steps
- Start the rice: bring 3 cups salted water to a boil, stir in the rice, cover and simmer on low 18 minutes.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch bites and pat dry. Toss with the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt until every piece is coated.
- Air-fry at 400°F in a single layer for 9 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the bites are caramelized and reach 165°F. Work in two batches if needed. (No air fryer: roast on a lined sheet pan at 425°F for 15 minutes, until they reach 165°F.)
- Steam or microwave the baby carrots until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken bites over rice with the carrots on the side.
- Picky eater tip: serve the plain rice and plain carrots with a few chicken bites on the side.
- Make ahead: cut the chicken and mix the brown sugar and spices up to a day ahead and keep them chilled. Toss together right before cooking.
On the side: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
15 oz green beans
- Trim the green beans. Cook in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, 6 to 8 minutes, until bright and just tender.
- Stir in a minced garlic clove for the last minute and season with salt.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 40 g
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop