One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving something flavorful, comforting, and downright satisfying, you’re going to love this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with bold spices and tender chicken all cooked in a single pot—making cleanup a breeze. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-tos for busy weeknights. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this delicious meal every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that signature Cajun taste, with a good balance of spices, veggies, and quality chicken. When shopping, I always pick fresh bell peppers and don’t skip on bone-in chicken thighs—they add so much flavor and juiciness.

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on help keep the meat moist and add richness during cooking.
• Cajun seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse—feel free to adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smokiness that deepens the overall flavor.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken perfectly golden.
• Long-grain white rice: Rinsed well to remove excess starch for fluffy results.
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Red and green bell peppers: Provide color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
• Roma tomato: Adds a mild tang and freshness.
• Garlic: Because everything tastes better with garlic!
• Tomato paste: Gives the rice a rich, slightly tangy background flavor.
• Chicken broth: Use a good quality broth for depth and to cook the rice perfectly.
• Dried thyme: Adds earthiness that rounds out the spices.
• Unsalted butter: Finishes the dish with a silky texture and richness.
• Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.

Variations

I love that this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is so versatile—you can switch up the veggies, adjust the heat level, or even swap out chicken thighs if you want. It’s perfect if you want to make it your own, and trust me, you’ll enjoy trying different versions.

• Spicy Kick Variation: I sometimes add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat—my family loves it fiery on slow-cool evenings.
• Vegetable Boost: Adding corn, peas, or even okra can amp up the veggie content and make it heartier.
• Protein Swap: Have chicken breasts on hand? You can use them but be careful not to overcook since they dry out faster than thighs.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your Cajun seasoning blend.

How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

First, generously season those chicken thighs all over with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to really press the spices into the skin for max flavor. Then heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat—once hot, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear until each side is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This builds amazing flavor, so don’t rush it. Remember, you’re not cooking the chicken all the way through yet; just browning the outside. Once browned, set the chicken aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, roma tomato, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This step awakens the flavors and forms the base for your rice. Don’t skip it—your dish will thank you!

Step 3: Toast and Season the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pot along with Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes. Toasting the rice with the spices and tomato paste brings out nuttiness and intensifies the flavor—this is a game-changer I discovered early on.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, give everything a good stir to combine. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back on top of the rice mixture, making sure they’re partially submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! This quiet cooking steam is what helps the rice turn out fluffy and the chicken to cook through perfectly. Check the chicken’s internal temp if you have a thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter for richness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone go back for seconds!

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley on top for that burst of green and freshness. Sometimes, I add chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice—both brighten the dish beautifully. A dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce works wonders if you like things spicy or creamy.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp side salad or some steamed green beans to add a fresh crunch. Cornbread or garlic bread also make fantastic companions, soaking up all the buttery, spicy juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe in shallow bowls topped with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon—makes it feel a little fancy while staying laid-back and cozy. If you’re feeding guests, bright-colored plates really make the vibrant dish pop on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. The rice might firm up a bit, but it’s still delicious. Leftovers usually keep well for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

If I have extra, I portion this into freezer-safe containers. Freezing works well, but I recommend slightly undercooking the rice so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated later.

Reheating

Reheating in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth helps keep the rice moist. Microwaving works fine too, but just add a little liquid to prevent drying out. I love reheated leftovers almost as much as the fresh batch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet packed full of flavor everyone loves. It’s the kind of meal that feels made with love—comforting, spicy, and perfectly balanced. I encourage you to give it a try soon; once you do, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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