If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful meal with easy cleanup, this one pot Cajun chicken and rice recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with bold Cajun spices, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice, it's a complete dinner that comes together in a single pan. Whether you’re a busy parent or a meal prepper looking for efficiency, this dish delivers on taste, convenience, and comfort. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just real food, real flavor, and one reliable pot.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this one pot Cajun chicken and rice recipe:
- One pot = less mess: With everything cooking in one pan, you won't be left with a pile of dishes.
- Bold flavor: Cajun seasoning brings smoky, spicy notes that give the dish serious depth.
- Wholesome ingredients: Chicken, rice, and veggies provide protein, carbs, and nutrients in every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- Budget-friendly: All the ingredients are affordable and easily available.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Here’s What You’ll Need to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
To make one pot Cajun chicken and rice, gather the following ingredients:
Meat:
-
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small Roma tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Canned Goods:
- 3 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pasta and Cereals:
-
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
Baking Powder & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Oils and Butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
Step 1:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, and dried thyme. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated well to infuse the flavors deeply.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes until the skin becomes a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes to brown the other side. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to rest while you prepare the next steps.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, with all the flavorful browned bits still in the pan, add the diced yellow onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Cook these vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their aroma, about 5 minutes. This will create a delicious base for your dish.
Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste along with the chopped Roma tomato. Allow the mixture to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste caramelize slightly. This step adds a rich depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
Step 3:
Add 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice directly into the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Stir the rice well to coat each grain with the flavors from the sautéed vegetables and tomato paste.
Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out its nuttiness and help it maintain a good texture during cooking.
Then pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan with your spoon or spatula to loosen any browned bits stuck to the skillet. These bits add an extra layer of savory flavor to the rice.
Step 4:
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, positioning them so they are partially submerged in the rice and broth mixture.
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes without lifting the lid. This slow cooking allows the rice to absorb the broth and spices fully while the chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection.
Resist the urge to stir during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly and develops a perfect texture.
Step 5
After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness and color. Serve your flavorful, comforting one pot Cajun chicken and rice hot and enjoy!
This one pot Cajun chicken and rice recipe is straightforward, and the results are always satisfying. The chicken stays juicy, the rice absorbs every bit of flavor, and the whole dish feels like a warm, comforting hug.
You can also watch this video:
Tips for the Best One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
Use long-grain white rice
For the best texture, always choose long-grain white rice. Unlike short-grain or instant rice, long-grain varieties stay fluffy and separate when cooked, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. This helps achieve that perfect balance of tender, distinct grains soaking up the flavorful broth.
Let the chicken rest
After searing the chicken thighs, it’s important to let them rest briefly before adding them back into the pot. Resting allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that stays moist throughout the simmering process.
Adjust the spice level
Cajun seasoning can pack quite a punch in terms of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for kids, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase according to your taste preferences. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Avoid lifting the lid while cooking
During the simmering stage, resist the temptation to lift the lid. Keeping the pot covered traps steam and moisture, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices. Lifting the lid frequently can release heat and moisture, which may result in uneven cooking or dry rice.
Add extra vegetables for nutrition and color
Feel free to boost the nutrition and visual appeal of your one pot Cajun chicken and rice by stirring in additional vegetables like corn, peas, or fresh spinach near the end of cooking. These additions add a pop of color and extra vitamins, making the dish even more wholesome.
Use a quality cutting board
When prepping raw chicken and fresh vegetables, hygiene is key. Using a clean, bacteria-resistant cutting board like the ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board Review helps prevent cross-contamination and makes cleaning easier. Its non-porous surface won’t absorb juices or stains, giving you peace of mind in the kitchen.
Pair This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice With
While one pot Cajun chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate your dinner by pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed green beans
- Buttery cornbread or garlic toast
- A light cucumber and dill yogurt dip to balance the spice
- Sweet tea or sparkling water with lime
These sides add balance and freshness to complement the deep flavors of the Cajun seasoning.
More Chicken Recipes to Try
If you loved this one pot Cajun chicken and rice, you’ll enjoy these chicken-based favorites:
- Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Delicious Chicken Ciabatta Recipe
- Delicious Chicken Cacciatore Recipe: A Hearty Italian Classic
- Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Nourishment
- Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite
Discover ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board & Kitchen Tools
When preparing meals like one pot Cajun chicken and rice, having reliable kitchen tools makes a big difference. ChopChop USA offers smart, durable kitchen essentials designed to keep food prep clean, safe, and efficient.
Titanium Cutting Board
The ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board is a game-changer for anyone serious about kitchen hygiene and durability.
Made from pure titanium, this board is completely non-porous and naturally resistant to bacteria, stains, and odors—perfect for prepping raw meats and vegetables safely. Unlike wooden boards that can absorb juices, this board stays clean with just a quick wipe or a rinse under boiling water.
Its sturdy surface handles heavy chopping, slicing, and dicing without warping or dulling your knives. For dishes like one pot Cajun chicken and rice, this cutting board ensures safe, efficient prep every time.
ChopChop Peeler
ChopChop Peeler offers razor-sharp precision with a comfortable grip designed for effortless, safe peeling.
Whether you’re prepping bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions for your one pot Cajun chicken and rice, the ChopChop Peeler make quick work of removing skins and preparing vegetables. Its ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue and improves control, making it perfect for fast-paced meal prep.
Durable and reliable, the ChopChop Peeler hold its edge well and are easy to clean. They’re a must-have tool for anyone looking to simplify kitchen tasks while maintaining top-notch quality and safety.
ChopChop Boning Knife
The ChopChop Boning Knife is crafted for precision and control, making it ideal for trimming fat or deboning chicken thighs used in one pot Cajun chicken and rice.
Its slim, sharp blade allows you to work close to the bone for clean cuts without tearing the meat. Designed with a durable edge that stays sharp longer, this knife reduces the need for constant sharpening and improves safety in the kitchen.
Comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, it’s a professional-grade tool that helps elevate your cooking experience and ensures perfectly prepared poultry every time.
Pure Titanium Utensils
ChopChop USA’s Pure Titanium Utensils combine lightweight strength with exceptional durability, making them perfect for stirring, serving, and plating your one pot Cajun chicken and rice.
Titanium is naturally rust-resistant, non-toxic, and easy to clean, ensuring your utensils stay hygienic and safe over time. These utensils won’t bend, chip, or absorb flavors, which means your food tastes just as it should.
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Anti-Slip Silicone Mat
The ChopChop Anti-Slip Silicone Mat is an essential kitchen accessory that keeps your cutting board firmly in place during food prep, preventing slips and accidents.
Its non-slip design provides excellent stability, making chopping and slicing safer and more efficient. The mat also protects your countertops from scratches, stains, and heat damage, extending the life of your surfaces.
Easy to clean and flexible, it stores away conveniently when not in use. Whether you’re working on the titanium cutting board or another surface, this silicone mat ensures a secure, worry-free prep area.
Double-Sided Stainless Steel Cutting Board
The ChopChop Double-Sided Stainless Steel Cutting Board offers two distinct surfaces to separate raw meat from vegetables, reducing the risk of cross-contamination in your kitchen.
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Ideal for preparing dishes like one pot Cajun chicken and rice, it helps maintain food safety and hygiene. This versatile board is a practical solution for organized, efficient meal prep.
Why Choose ChopChop USA?
Choosing quality tools is essential, especially for dishes like one pot Cajun chicken and rice, where both prep and cooking must go smoothly. Here’s why home cooks love ChopChop USA:
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Plus, ChopChop USA stands behind our products with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try our kitchen tools risk-free. From slicing chicken to dicing peppers, ChopChop USA’s products make every step easier, cleaner, and faster.
Conclusion
One pot Cajun chicken and rice is more than just a dinner—it’s a flavorful, comforting, and practical meal that suits nearly any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something warm and hearty, this dish checks all the boxes. Bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and one-pot simplicity make it a winner.
And when you pair this delicious recipe with top-notch kitchen tools from ChopChop USA, you not only elevate your cooking but also enjoy the process more. Clean-up becomes quick, prep is safer, and the results speak for themselves. Try this recipe today and make one pot Cajun chicken and rice a regular part of your mealtime rotation.
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FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice in this one pot Cajun chicken and rice?
Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and add extra liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorb moisture.
2. Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can tone it down by using less cayenne or choosing a milder spice blend.
3. Can I make this one pot Cajun chicken and rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
4. Can I freeze one pot Cajun chicken and rice?
Yes, let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore texture.
5. Is ChopChop USA Legit?
Absolutely! ChopChop USA is a trusted brand known for producing high-quality, durable kitchen tools crafted for precision and comfort. Our ergonomic designs and premium materials ensure long-lasting performance, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced chef, ChopChop USA’s products deliver reliable results you can count on every day.