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One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice Flavorful Dinner Delight

by on August 23, 2025
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Welcome to your next favorite dinner! This One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice packs bold flavors into a simple recipe. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and fragrant spices, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! Join me as we dive into the ingredients and steps to make this flavorful dinner delight that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion - 1 bell pepper (any color) - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice, each ingredient plays a key role. First, the chicken thighs give the dish a juicy, tender base. I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that really wakes up the dish. Next, the veggies! The onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and texture. I usually go for a bright bell pepper for color. Garlic adds an aromatic touch that fills the kitchen with warmth. The rice is the heart of this meal. Long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and soaks up all the delicious broth. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a savory liquid that infuses the rice with flavor. Lastly, we add frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. The fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and makes it look stunning. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to a flavorful dinner delight! - First, take 1 pound of chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. - In a bowl, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix it well so every piece gets covered. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it browned on all sides. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate. - In the same pot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. - Next, add 1 diced bell pepper of your choice. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and translucent. - Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute. This will give your dish a nice flavor. - Now, it's time to add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the pot. Stir it well with the vegetables. - Cook for about 1 minute. This toasts the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor. - Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. - Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine. - Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the rice to become tender and absorb most of the liquid. - After cooking, remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. - Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld. - Serve the Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot or in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. To make your dish pop, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like more heat, add a bit more. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning. You can also add lemon juice. Lemon brings a nice brightness to the dish. Just squeeze some on top before serving. Choosing the right type of rice is key. Long-grain rice works best for this recipe. It stays fluffy and does not become sticky. Make sure to stir well during cooking. This helps the rice cook evenly. Keep the heat low once it simmers to avoid burning. For a rustic feel, serve your Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot. This makes for a cozy, family-style meal. You can also use individual bowls for a nice touch. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley to add color. A slice of lemon on the side makes it look bright and fresh. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet taste. Use about 1 pound of shrimp and add them towards the end of cooking. This way, they won’t overcook. Another great option is using smoked sausage. Slice the sausage and cook it with the onions and peppers. This will give your dish a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spices. Want to add more greens? Spinach or kale works well. Toss in about 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale when you add the rice. They will cook down and blend in nicely. Corn can also be a sweet addition. Add a cup of frozen corn when you add the peas. It will bring a nice, sweet crunch to the dish. If you have kids, you might want to make this dish milder. Use less Cajun seasoning or skip it altogether. You can add some herbs like thyme or parsley for flavor. For those who love heat, add hot sauce. Drizzle some on top before serving or mix it in while cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick! To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place the Cajun chicken and rice in airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well to prevent moisture loss. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. In the fridge, One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice lasts up to four days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. It takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is around 30 minutes. This includes browning the chicken and simmering all the flavors together. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables adds great color and taste. These options enhance your meal and add variety. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels to be safe. Absolutely! If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also skip the smoked paprika. For more heat, add extra Cajun spice or a dash of hot sauce. Tailor it to your taste for the best experience. This recipe for One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice combines bold flavors and easy steps. You start by seasoning juicy chicken and cooking it with colorful veggies. Then, you add rice and broth, creating a hearty meal. Remember, you can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also simple to store and reheat. Enjoy trying different spice levels and garnishes. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll love the results.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers

– 1 medium onion

– 1 bell pepper (any color)

– 3 cloves garlic

Rice and Liquid Components

– 1 cup long-grain rice

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup frozen peas

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

For this One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice, each ingredient plays a key role. First, the chicken thighs give the dish a juicy, tender base. I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that really wakes up the dish.

Next, the veggies! The onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and texture. I usually go for a bright bell pepper for color. Garlic adds an aromatic touch that fills the kitchen with warmth.

The rice is the heart of this meal. Long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and soaks up all the delicious broth. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a savory liquid that infuses the rice with flavor.

Lastly, we add frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. The fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and makes it look stunning.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a flavorful dinner delight!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– First, take 1 pound of chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

– In a bowl, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix it well so every piece gets covered.

– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

– Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it browned on all sides. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Cooking the Vegetables

– In the same pot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped.

– Next, add 1 diced bell pepper of your choice. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and translucent.

– Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute. This will give your dish a nice flavor.

Combining Ingredients

– Now, it’s time to add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the pot. Stir it well with the vegetables.

– Cook for about 1 minute. This toasts the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor.

– Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

Final Cooking Steps

– Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.

– Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

– Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the rice to become tender and absorb most of the liquid.

Fluffing and Serving

– After cooking, remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently.

– Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld.

– Serve the Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot or in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To make your dish pop, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like more heat, add a bit more. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning. You can also add lemon juice. Lemon brings a nice brightness to the dish. Just squeeze some on top before serving.

Perfecting the Rice

Choosing the right type of rice is key. Long-grain rice works best for this recipe. It stays fluffy and does not become sticky. Make sure to stir well during cooking. This helps the rice cook evenly. Keep the heat low once it simmers to avoid burning.

Presentation Tips

For a rustic feel, serve your Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot. This makes for a cozy, family-style meal. You can also use individual bowls for a nice touch. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley to add color. A slice of lemon on the side makes it look bright and fresh.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch out the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet taste. Use about 1 pound of shrimp and add them towards the end of cooking. This way, they won’t overcook.

Another great option is using smoked sausage. Slice the sausage and cook it with the onions and peppers. This will give your dish a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spices.

Vegetable Additions

Want to add more greens? Spinach or kale works well. Toss in about 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale when you add the rice. They will cook down and blend in nicely.

Corn can also be a sweet addition. Add a cup of frozen corn when you add the peas. It will bring a nice, sweet crunch to the dish.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you have kids, you might want to make this dish milder. Use less Cajun seasoning or skip it altogether. You can add some herbs like thyme or parsley for flavor.

For those who love heat, add hot sauce. Drizzle some on top before serving or mix it in while cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place the Cajun chicken and rice in airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well to prevent moisture loss.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice lasts up to four days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

How long does it take to make One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice?

It takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is around 30 minutes. This includes browning the chicken and simmering all the flavors together.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken & Rice?

This dish pairs well with a simple salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables adds great color and taste. These options enhance your meal and add variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels to be safe.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also skip the smoked paprika. For more heat, add extra Cajun spice or a dash of hot sauce. Tailor it to your taste for the best experience.

This recipe for One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice combines bold flavors and easy steps. You start by seasoning juicy chicken and cooking it with colorful veggies. Then, you add rice and broth, creating a hearty meal. Remember, you can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also simple to store and reheat. Enjoy trying different spice levels and garnishes. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll love the results.

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion - 1 bell pepper (any color) - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice, each ingredient plays a key role. First, the chicken thighs give the dish a juicy, tender base. I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that really wakes up the dish. Next, the veggies! The onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and texture. I usually go for a bright bell pepper for color. Garlic adds an aromatic touch that fills the kitchen with warmth. The rice is the heart of this meal. Long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and soaks up all the delicious broth. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a savory liquid that infuses the rice with flavor. Lastly, we add frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. The fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and makes it look stunning. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to a flavorful dinner delight! - First, take 1 pound of chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. - In a bowl, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix it well so every piece gets covered. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it browned on all sides. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate. - In the same pot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. - Next, add 1 diced bell pepper of your choice. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and translucent. - Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute. This will give your dish a nice flavor. - Now, it's time to add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the pot. Stir it well with the vegetables. - Cook for about 1 minute. This toasts the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor. - Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. - Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine. - Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the rice to become tender and absorb most of the liquid. - After cooking, remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. - Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld. - Serve the Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot or in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. To make your dish pop, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like more heat, add a bit more. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning. You can also add lemon juice. Lemon brings a nice brightness to the dish. Just squeeze some on top before serving. Choosing the right type of rice is key. Long-grain rice works best for this recipe. It stays fluffy and does not become sticky. Make sure to stir well during cooking. This helps the rice cook evenly. Keep the heat low once it simmers to avoid burning. For a rustic feel, serve your Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot. This makes for a cozy, family-style meal. You can also use individual bowls for a nice touch. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley to add color. A slice of lemon on the side makes it look bright and fresh. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet taste. Use about 1 pound of shrimp and add them towards the end of cooking. This way, they won’t overcook. Another great option is using smoked sausage. Slice the sausage and cook it with the onions and peppers. This will give your dish a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spices. Want to add more greens? Spinach or kale works well. Toss in about 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale when you add the rice. They will cook down and blend in nicely. Corn can also be a sweet addition. Add a cup of frozen corn when you add the peas. It will bring a nice, sweet crunch to the dish. If you have kids, you might want to make this dish milder. Use less Cajun seasoning or skip it altogether. You can add some herbs like thyme or parsley for flavor. For those who love heat, add hot sauce. Drizzle some on top before serving or mix it in while cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick! To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place the Cajun chicken and rice in airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well to prevent moisture loss. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. In the fridge, One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice lasts up to four days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. It takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is around 30 minutes. This includes browning the chicken and simmering all the flavors together. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables adds great color and taste. These options enhance your meal and add variety. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels to be safe. Absolutely! If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also skip the smoked paprika. For more heat, add extra Cajun spice or a dash of hot sauce. Tailor it to your taste for the best experience. This recipe for One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice combines bold flavors and easy steps. You start by seasoning juicy chicken and cooking it with colorful veggies. Then, you add rice and broth, creating a hearty meal. Remember, you can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also simple to store and reheat. Enjoy trying different spice levels and garnishes. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll love the results.

One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice

Enjoy a flavorful dinner with this easy One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice recipe that combines juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices all in one dish! Ready in just 40 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Discover how to whip up this delicious meal that serves four and pleases the whole family. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your dinner a hit tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (your choice of color), diced

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juices)

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

      Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the rice slightly.

          Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

            Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Return the browned chicken to the pot, followed by the frozen peas and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

              Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

                After cooking, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

                    - Präsentation Tipps: Serve the Cajun Chicken & Rice straight from the pot for a rustic feel, or portion it into individual bowls for a polished presentation. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the dish, and consider adding a slice of lemon on the side for a refreshing citrus garnish that complements the flavors beautifully.