Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Dinner is a flavorful and convenient meal that brings together tender chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, all cooked in a single pot. The blend of Cajun spices adds a delightful kick without being too overpowering, making it a family-friendly favorite. The best part? With just one pot, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without extra dishes.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cajun-Spiced Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small Roma tomato, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, Roma tomato, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Toast the Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the rice and spices.
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Add Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste until well combined. Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
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Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure proper steam circulation.
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Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add peas, corn, or okra for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat. Reduce it for a milder version or add extra for more spice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Cajun chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time and extra liquid. Increase the simmering time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra cup of chicken broth.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is moderate but can be adjusted. Reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder version or add more for extra spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately (sear the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and cook the rice) and combine them when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid. Brown the chicken first, then cook everything on low for 4-5 hours.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth to 1 cup and simmer for a shorter time, just long enough to heat everything through.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving for a richer texture.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Dinner is a perfect example of a flavorful, no-fuss meal. With tender chicken, seasoned rice, and a one-pot method, it’s both convenient and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine in the comfort of your own home!
Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Dinner
This Easy One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Dinner is the perfect weeknight meal, combining seasoned chicken thighs with flavorful Cajun-spiced rice, all cooked in one pot. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for busy families looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, One Pot Meal
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in with skin on for crispiness)
- Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati recommended)
- Yellow onion
- Red and green bell peppers
- Garlic cloves
- Roma tomato
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Cajun seasoning
- Dried thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Unsalted butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, sear chicken thighs until golden brown, and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, sauté diced onion, bell peppers, tomato, and garlic until softened.
- Cook Rice: Add rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to toast the rice and spices for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Pour in chicken broth, stir, and nestle seared chicken thighs back in. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve.
Notes
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Chicken Variations:
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts if preferred. However, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add extra flavor and juiciness.
- For a quicker cooking time, use boneless chicken and reduce the simmering time.
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Rice Options:
- While long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with brown rice or wild rice, though the cooking time will increase for brown rice (about 40 minutes).
- You can also use parboiled rice, but make sure to adjust the liquid ratio as needed.
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Spice Level:
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level. If you prefer less heat, use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount of paprika and cayenne.
- Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
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Vegetable Variations:
- Add corn or green beans for extra texture and flavor.
- You can also swap bell peppers for other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
