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Slap Ya Mama Cajun Chicken and Bean Chili with Fluffy Rice Recipe

4.7 from 97 reviews

This hearty Cajun-inspired chicken chili recipe features tender seared chicken thighs simmered with vibrant bell peppers, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices including the bold Slap Ya Mama Seasoning. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and avocado, it’s a comforting, one-pot meal bursting with authentic Cajun flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Chili:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Slap Ya Mama Seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Hot sauce
  • Avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thigh pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor and promote better browning during searing.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, searing them for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Simmer the Chili: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, rinsed kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and season with Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
  5. Cook the Chili: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and develop deep flavors.
  6. Season to Taste: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or additional Slap Ya Mama Seasoning for preferred heat and flavor intensity.
  7. Cook the Rice: While the chili is simmering, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
  8. Simmer the Rice: Bring the rice mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
  9. Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains just before serving.
  10. Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the chicken chili over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce, and avocado slices as desired. Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the Slap Ya Mama Seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • If you don’t have Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, substitute with a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a thicker chili, uncover during the last 10 minutes of simmering to reduce liquid.
  • Use brown rice for a healthier variation; cooking time will increase accordingly.

Keywords: chicken chili, Cajun chicken recipe, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chicken thighs, easy dinner, spicy chili, one pot meal, authentic Cajun flavor