One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Introduction
One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice delivers bold flavor, satisfying heat, and the ultimate ease of a single-pan meal. With smoky Cajun spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this dish is as comforting as it is vibrant—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal without multiple pots and pans.
Simple to throw together and guaranteed to leave you with minimal dishes, it’s a standout solution for families, meal prep, or casual dinners with friends.
What Makes This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Special?
This recipe packs the iconic kick of Cajun seasoning, blending paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs for a meal that’s irresistibly rich and aromatic. Every spoonful boasts perfectly seared chicken, savory vegetables, and rice that soaks up every ounce of flavor—all infused together in a single pot to max out taste and minimize cleanup.
Plus, it’s easily customizable: adjust the spice, swap your favorite veggies, and serve with fresh toppings for your own personalized spin.
Essential Steps for Robust Flavor
The key to outstanding flavor in this dish lies in searing the chicken and layering in your vegetables. Sautéing onions and peppers right after browning the chicken ensures that every ingredient carries a little Cajun essence. A reliable nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch helps get perfectly golden chicken and prevents rice from sticking.
Use a high-quality chopping tool such as the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to make prepping onions, peppers, and celery quick and fuss-free, saving you precious minutes and guaranteeing evenly-sized bites.
Bringing It All Together in One Pot
After sautéing, bring in your Cajun seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and broth for a simmer that marries all the flavors together. Adding uncooked rice lets it absorb everything, resulting in tender grains that have soaked up the spicy, savory sauce. If you want to check your chicken for doneness, an accurate meat thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Serve straight from the skillet for a truly rustic, family-style presentation!
Serving Ideas for Maximum Enjoyment
Brighten your plate with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or parsley for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, cool yogurt-based sauce, or crunchy bread on the side. Leftovers are fantastic for meal prep—simply pack servings into airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy grab-and-go lunches.
A squeeze of lemon over the top just before eating brings out the vibrant spices and rounds out the dish with a burst of acidity.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions, each with roughly 500–550 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and the type of rice used. Packed with protein, complex carbs, and a mix of colorful veggies, it’s a balanced option you’ll feel good about serving.
One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice (Recap)
One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice is a certified crowd-pleaser—deeply flavored, customizable, and ready in under an hour. Its magic is in the ease of one-pot cooking, bold Cajun notes, and versatile serving options that cater to all styles and appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep your vegetables with the help of the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform chopping and speed. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add olive oil, then chicken. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in rinsed rice, stirring to toast grains for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits from pan for extra flavor.
- Return chicken (with any released juices) to the skillet. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring once, until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. It should reach at least 165°F.
- Remove lid and fluff rice. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with green onions, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for quick meal prep.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Enjoy this bold, comforting One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice—it’s an easy, flavor-packed weeknight win!
