Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken and Rice is a quick and easy one pot meal full of flavour. Juicy chicken, smoky bacon (or chorizo), colourful peppers and fluffy rice all cook together in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something filling but simple. The Ninja Speedi does all the work for you, cooking the rice and chicken perfectly in under 30 minutes.
Alternatively you could cook a similar version in the slow cooker or pressure cooker.
What You Need
For exact measurements, check the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why.
Chicken
You can use either chicken breast or boneless thighs. Thighs stay a little juicier, but both work really well in this recipe.
Chorizo or Bacon
A handful of bacon lardons adds a lovely smoky flavour that goes perfectly with the Cajun spices. You can swap them for pancetta or chorizo if you like.
Onion and Pepper
These form the base of the dish and add sweetness and colour. I usually use a green pepper, but any colour works fine.
Cajun Spice Mix
This is where all the flavour comes from. Use your favourite premade blend or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano.
Chopped Tomatoes
A tin of chopped tomatoes or you could substitute with passata.
Rice
I used Basmati rice. Rinse the rice well before using to remove any excess starch. This helps keep it fluffy and stops it sticking together.
Chicken Stock
Hot stock helps the rice cook evenly and soak up all the flavours from the spices and chicken.
Oil or Butter
Just a small amount is needed for sautéing the chicken, bacon and vegetables.
Making It
Start by heating a little oil or butter in the Ninja Speedi on the Sear/Sauté setting. Once it’s hot, add the chicken, bacon/chorizo and onion. Cook for around five minutes, stirring every so often, until the chicken is sealed and the onions start to soften. Add the chopped pepper and cook for another minute, scraping up anything that’s stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Turn off the sauté function and stir in the rice, Cajun spice, chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Mix everything together so the rice is evenly spread and covered with liquid.
Place the crisping tray in the elevated position, close the lid and select Rapid Cooker – Speedi Meals. Set the temperature to 180°C and cook for twelve minutes. The Ninja Speedi will take around 7 minutes for the steam to build, so the total cooking time will be around 19 minutes.
When the cooking time is up, carefully open the lid and give everything a good stir. The rice should be fluffy and the chicken cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top works really well to brighten the flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun chicken and rice just as it is, or with a side of green beans, sweetcorn or a simple salad. A spoonful of yoghurt or sour cream will help balance the spice if you prefer a milder flavour.
Storing and Reheating
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
In the fridge: Keep for up to 3 days.
In the freezer: Store in portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the hob with a splash of water to loosen the rice.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse the rice before cooking to help keep it fluffy.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun spice to suit your taste.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavour.
More Ninja Speedi Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these Ninja Speedi recipes next:
- Ninja Speedi Macaroni Cheese
- Ninja Speedi Whole Chicken
- Ninja Speedi Focaccia Bread
- Ninja Speedi White Rice
Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken and Rice
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Liana’s Kitchen running.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- 500 g chicken breasts or boneless thighs diced
- 200 g bacon lardons or pancetta/chorizo
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 2 tbsp Cajun spice mix
- 300 g basmati rice rinsed
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 500 ml hot chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the oil or butter to the Ninja Speedi pot and select Sear/Sauté.
- Once hot, add the chicken, bacon/chorizo and onion. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is sealed and lightly browned.
- Stir in the chopped pepper and cook for another minute, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the sauté function and add the rice, Cajun spice mix, chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Place the crisping tray in the elevated position. Close the lid and select Rapid Cooker – Speedi Meals.
- Set the temperature to 180°C and cook for 12 minutes.
- When the cooking time is finished, carefully open the lid. Stir everything together and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an estimate.