🌶️ Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Tender, seasoned chicken cooks with rice, onions, peppers, and Cajun spices in one pan. The result? A rich, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

🛒 What You’ll Need

Chicken:

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil

Rice & Veggies:

1 tbsp butter
1 onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
Salt & pepper to taste

Garnish:

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Lemon wedges

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

For extra crispy skin, sear chicken on high heat before simmering.
Use homemade Cajun seasoning to control salt and spice level.
Don’t stir the rice too much—let it steam for fluffiness.
Add andouille sausage for even more Cajun flair.
Squeeze lemon just before serving to brighten flavors.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife and cutting board

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cooking time by ~15 min).
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Add diced celery for more Louisiana-style flavor.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken, skin side down, for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Rice & Broth

Stir in rice, coating it in the veggie mixture for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, smoked paprika, and salt/pepper. Stir once to combine.

Step 4: Simmer & Cook Chicken

Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep rice moist.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.

💬 Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken and Rice is the kind of one-pan wonder that’s flavorful, filling, and easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The spices give it warmth, the rice soaks up all those delicious juices, and every bite is pure comfort.