Bold, spicy, and utterly irresistible — Cajun chicken and rice is a weeknight dinner dream. With just one pan, minimal prep, and explosive flavor, this dish delivers all the cozy vibes of Southern cooking without any fuss. Whether you crave heat or just a reliable go-to dinner, this recipe brings the flavor while keeping things simple.
🛒 Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Bone‑in thighs deliver maximum flavor and moisture, but boneless thighs or breasts work just fine.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice (or jasmine/ basmati) is ideal for a light, fluffy texture.
- Cajun Seasoning: A flavorful blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and bell pepper build the flavor foundation.
- Broth: Use chicken broth instead of water for richer taste.
- Optional Add‑Ins: Smoked sausage, canned tomatoes, corn, or beans to boost heartiness.
👨🍳 How to Make Cajun Chicken & Rice (Step by Step)
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
Generously coat your chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet, sear both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet).
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pan, sauté chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning to deepen the flavor.
3. Toast the Rice
Add uncooked rice and stir for about one minute so the grains begin to absorb flavor and toast slightly.
4. Add Broth & Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, partially submerged.
5. Simmer & Cover
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Finish & Serve
Once done, turn off the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and contrast to the spices.
💡 Tips for Great Results
- Control the heat level by adjusting the cayenne in your Cajun seasoning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven so heat distributes evenly.
- Resist stirring too much — too much movement can make the rice gummy.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it a smart option for leftovers.
🔁 Variations You’ll Love
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice — reduce liquid accordingly.
- Vegetarian upgrade: Swap the chicken for seasoned tofu, beans, or hearty veggies and use vegetable broth.
- Extra flavor: Add andouille sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, or sweet corn for additional texture and flavor.
🍽 What to Serve With It
Although this dish can stand alone, a few sides can elevate the meal:
- Sweet, buttery cornbread
- Crisp coleslaw to offset the heat
- Sautéed greens like kale or spinach
- Fresh accouterments: avocado slices, cilantro, extra lemon wedges
- A cold drink like sweet iced tea or a chilled beer
📦 Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Let the dish cool fully, then keep in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Microwave works too — just stir midway.
Leftover ideas:
- Stuff into bell peppers
- Use as a flavorful burrito filling
- Serve over baked potatoes
❓ FAQs
Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes — you’ll need more liquid and a longer cook time (around 45–50 minutes). Keep the pan covered and monitor moisture.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for prepping ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.
Is store-bought Cajun seasoning okay?
Definitely — just check the salt content, as some blends may already be quite salty. Adjust your added salt accordingly.
Cajun Chicken and Rice (One-Pan Recipe)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern
Calories: ~430 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Rice and Veggies:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Serving:
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Set aside. - Sauté the Veggies:
Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan. Sauté onion and peppers 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. - Toast the Rice:
Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute to soak up flavors. - Add Broth & Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
Nestle chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. - Cover & Cook:
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. - Rest & Serve:
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff rice, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.