Spicy Cajun Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe 455

Steps:

• Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme with the salt and pepper. Toss half of this mixture with the chicken. Cook bacon in a 6-quart Dutch oven until crisp, about 5 minutes on medium-high heat. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Add the canola oil and chicken to the Dutch oven, and cook it for about three minutes, or until brown. Stir occasionally, and when done, transfer to a bowl. Add the red pepper, onion, and the rest of the spices to the pot, and stir and cook for five minutes. Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the broth, peas, rice, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt, if desired. Heat the mixture on high until it boils, and then reduce to a simmer. Add the chicken and remaining juices, and cover to simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place shredded chicken evenly in a 9x13 dish. Top with rice and then cheese.
• Mix the remaining ingredients well and pour over chicken, rice and cheese. (This is going to look VERY runny--it is supposed to. It all cooks down and cooks the rice. This is why you cannot use Minute Rice).
• Cover with foil and bake for one hour. Remove the foil and bake 30 minutes longer, or until all liquid is absorbed.