Cajun Chicken and Rice

Thank all of you that have emailed and commented asking about my new job. I'm loving it! The hours are a little longer, but it is certainly challenging. Also, the homegirlz are back in full swing with high school soccer. These are the reasons why I have been light on posting lately. I appreciate all of you kind thoughts. hugs to all of you!

Anytime rice is included in a meal at my house, it's a winner. I've told you all before that my family happens to be serious rice addicts. Me, I'm more of a pasta girl. But you know how it goes, you have to cater to the crowd. I am so glad I did! After making this, I realized that there are so many ways to change this up depending on what kind of flavor you are trying to achieve. You could totally vary this for a southwest or Asian flair. In reality you could change it up a bit and make it once a week and my family would be none the wiser.

Cajun Chicken and Rice -

2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
1 medium onion - diced
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 cups extra long grain white rice, cooked according to package directions
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
Emeril's Essence

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare an 8 x8 or 9 x9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Cut chicken into hearty bite-sized pieces. Season generously with Emeril's Essence and brown in heated butter and oil. Remove brown chicken from skillet and add onions and saute over medium heat until translucent. Remove from heat and transfer to prepared casserole dish.

Add browned chicken and remaining ingredients except cheddar cheese and Essence to casserole dish and mix together until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with Emeril's Essence. Sprinkler cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

One quick note - it will be gone by the next afternoon...they will want to re-heat for lunch the next day!

Edit Note:

A few people wanted the recipe for Emeril's Essence. So here it is. Once you try it, it will become a staple on your spice rack! I usually double the recipe and keep it in a Mason jar.




Emeril's Essence

* 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons salt
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme


Combine all ingredients thoroughly.