Cajun Chicken and Rice

Name: Cajun Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Published: April 23, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare this Cajun Chicken and Rice dish from scratch
The vibrant colors and robust flavors will make your meal visually stunning
It’s incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or proteins of your choice
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it offers delightful leftovers too!

I remember one time when my cousin tried to turn this recipe into a contest to see who could eat the most. Spoiler alert: I won!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain for perfect fluffiness; jasmine or basmati works beautifully here.
Cajun Seasoning: A vital ingredient—store-bought works well, but homemade blends pack an extra punch.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only add flavor but also brighten up the dish visually.
Onion: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they caramelize beautifully as they cook.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; pick firm cloves for the best results.
Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping rich chicken flavor.
Green Onions: These are perfect for garnish—add freshness and a pop of color!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping your veggies. This makes everything cook uniformly and looks pretty in the pot.

Sautéing Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes will do!

Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in your diced chicken along with Cajun seasoning. Stir until the chicken browns evenly—this should take about 5-7 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe.

Incorporate Rice & Broth: Stir in the rice until it’s coated in all those tasty juices. Pour in chicken broth; bring it to a boil before reducing heat to simmer.

Add Bell Peppers & Cook Covering It Up!: Mix in chopped bell peppers and cover your skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes fluffy.

Final Touches & Serve!: Fluff the rice with a fork once done cooking. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

This mouthwatering Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe will surely become a favorite at your table just as it has at mine! easy one-pot rice recipe.

You Must Know

This Cajun Chicken and Rice dish combines spices and flavors that transport you straight to New Orleans
The aroma fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
It’s a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by searing the chicken until golden brown, then sauté the vegetables before adding rice and broth. This sequence ensures rich flavors and perfectly cooked rice.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like bell peppers or okra for extra flavor. Experiment with spices to make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Searing chicken adds depth; don’t rush it!
Use fresh herbs whenever possible for vibrant flavor
When cooking rice, avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure proper steaming

Cooking this dish reminds me of my first attempt when friends came over unexpectedly. I was nervous but ended up impressing everyone, especially my mom, who still uses my recipe as a reference!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Cajun Chicken and Rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

Try equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper for a homemade blend.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully without losing flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card