This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
This Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe is a bold, comforting one-pot meal made with tender chicken, long grain rice, and Cajun spices. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights with minimal clean up!
Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken and Rice!
Cajun Chicken and Rice is one of those dependable recipes I come back to again and again. It’s easy, flavorful, and always hits the spot.
I love how customizable it is, you can dial up the spice, add more veggies, or use what you already have in the fridge. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal that feels hearty and homemade without taking a lot of time or money.
We love the combination of tender chicken, seasoned rice, and savory spices creates a hearty, cozy dish that’s perfect for busy nights, cold weather, or whenever you need something filling and satisfying. All the flavors blend perfectly, making each bite comforting, flavorful, and familiar. If you love this Main Dish Recipe, then you must try Chicken and Rice, Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes.
For even more one pot dish recipes, check out our Easy One Pot Dinners for Busy Families Series or you may love these Quick and Easy Chicken Dinners.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Use your favorite oil
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe if you prefer. Andouille Sausage is also a great addition or substitute
- Diced Veggies – Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper are great additions. Celery is another great addition
- Garlic, minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Long-Grain White Rice – No need to cook rice prior to adding to the skillet
- Cajun Seasoning – We used store bought seasoning. But you can use homemade cajun seasoning
- Paprika – If you are out, see Best Paprika Substitute
- Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Chicken Broth – See Chicken Broth Substitutes if you are out
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped for garnish
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Rice
Step 1 – Heat the olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add in the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Step 2 – Add in the diced onions and peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
Step 3 – Stir in the rice, cajun seasoning, paprika, tablespoons of butter and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
Step 4 – Cover and boil on low for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5 – Remove the lid, let sit for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve topped with the fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Cajun Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Small Yellow Onion diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon minced garlic)
- 1 ½ cup Long Grain White Rice
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- Fresh Parsley chopped for garnish
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat.
- Add in 4 diced chicken breasts. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally.
- Add in 1 small onion (diced) and diced red bell pepper and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
- Stir in the 1 ½ cup long grain rice, 1 ½ Tablespoons cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 Tablespoon butter and 3 cups chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid, let sit for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve topped with the fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Cooking Dish – Make sure not to lift the lid once the rice is cooking as it will slow down the cooking of the rice.
- Large Skillet – Make sure to use a large enough skillet to make sure that everything cooks evenly.
- Chicken and Veggies – Cut the chicken and vegetables about the same size so it cooks evenly.
- Spice Level – If you are sensitive to spices, reduce the cajun seasoning to 1 Tablespoon and if you love spice, increase it to 2.
- Add more Veggies – Make this one pot dish veggie packed by adding in peas, corn, or green beans.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice – Stir in a splash of cream or a half of block of softened cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Recommendations
This one-pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add a simple vegetable or side dish, these options pair perfectly with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Save a step and make this cajun chicken and rice with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
We recommend using long grain white rice to make this recipe. Feel free to use other types of rice such as basmati rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. You may need to adjust the liquid or cooking time if using different types of rice.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave until heated through.
More Easy Cajun Recipes
Quick and Easy Chicken
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
We’d love to hear what you think! If you make this Cajun Chicken and Rice, be sure to leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it turned out.
I had a quick question about the 1 pot Cajun chicken and rice- could you do this in the crockpot? How would you need to adjust the recipe? Thank you! I love your recipes and have tried more than I can count
Yes, it should work well in the crock pot. I would add all the ingredients except for the rice and the oil and lower the chicken broth to just 1/2 cup and place them in your crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender. Cook the rice separately and then stir it into the crock pot right before serving! If you try it out, please come back and let me know how it turned out!