One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe

All right, so picture this: you’ve had a long day, and all you want is something comforting yet exciting to dive into for dinner. Enter my go-to one-pot wonder that brings the heat and all the feel-good flavors of the South right to your kitchen, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. 🔥 Time to get your Cajun on with this mouthwatering Chicken and Rice dish!

I adore how my Cajun Chicken and Rice in One Pot achieves such a delicious balance of bold flavor and nutrition. The blend of juicy chicken breast, fresh bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, just spiced enough with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, comes together right with long-grain rice and your basic chicken broth, which has the added protein that makes this a real nutrient-dense dish.

Though it seems almost gratuitous, the finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley and green onions takes this dish to a whole other level.

One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: High in protein, low in fat; lean and nutritious.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy flavor; typically salt, peppers, herbs.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins A and C; adds sweet, crunchy texture.
• Onion: Enhances flavor; contains antioxidants and fiber.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Source of carbohydrates; provides energy and balance.
• Garlic: Adds pungent, savory taste; known for heart health benefits.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy, slightly tart; high in vitamin C and lycopene.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; promotes heart health, rich in antioxidants.

One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe

1. In a big pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil in medium-high heat. Add in the chicken pieces, and season them with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to cook until it is nice and brown on all sides. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the same pot. Sauté these vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

4. Combine the rice with the oil and vegetables ensuring that the rice is well mixed with these ingredients. Allow the rice to sit and toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add the chicken broth, the tomatoes with their juice, and the spices (smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and, if you want a bit of heat, cayenne pepper) to the pot and stir to combine.

6. Place the chicken back into the pot, ensuring it is immersed in the broth. Heat the contents of the pot until it reaches a state of full bubbling.

7. After the liquid has reached a rolling boil, lower the heat to the minimum setting and cover the pot with a lid that fits snugly. Allow the contents to cook at a gentle simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until you see that the rice has become tender and absorbed all the liquid.

8. Take the pot off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 more minutes, so the flavors can now completely meld.

9. With a fork, fluff the rice and make sure that all the grains are separate and light, then taste it for seasoning. It is okay if it is a little underseasoned. We will fix the seasoning before the fish goes on top.

10. Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley just before serving. Enjoy your One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice!

One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Tongs (for handling chicken)
8. Mixing bowl (optional, for seasoning chicken)
9. Can opener (for diced tomatoes)

FAQ

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?It is suggested that one use long-grain white rice, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors very well. And it does not become mushy.
• Can I substitute chicken broth with something else?Woodland broth or spice-enhanced water also do well if you’re all out of standard issue. Just keep in mind that your soup will taste a bit different from one made with a conventional broth.
• Is it necessary to use both red and green bell peppers?Using both colors is not essential, but it is nice. If you brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, you can also roast or grill the peppers before using.
• How can I make this dish spicier?Raise the quantity of cayenne pepper, or opt for a zesty variant of Cajun seasoning.
• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?Absolutely, incorporate it into the dish during the final moments of cooking. This gives you the precision of timing necessary to avoid turning the protein into something flavorless and tough.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?Undoubtedly, the tastes fuse effectively over time, rendering it excellent for making ahead and savoring during the week.
• What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have green onions?Alternatively, garnish with fresh cilantro or extra chopped parsley instead of green onions.

One Pot Cajun Chicken And Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 tablespoons of olive oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
1 pound chicken breast: Substitute chicken thighs or turkey breast.
Cajun seasoning: For a slightly different flavor profile, use Creole seasoning.
1 onion, diced: Substitute shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Substitute with brown rice or jasmine rice; adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat for a more robust taste.