Name: Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern/Creole Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional); Chopped parsley or green onions; Lemon wedges (optional)

Description

A bold, comforting one-pan dinner made with Cajun-seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful bell peppers. Smoky, spicy, and hearty, this Southern-inspired dish comes together in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Rice & Veggies

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For Serving

Chopped parsley or green onions
Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Add another tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
Nestle chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Remove from heat. Rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.

Adjust heat with cayenne or hot sauce if desired.

Brown rice can be used but requires 40–45 minutes cooking time and extra broth.

Don’t lift the lid during cooking—steam ensures fluffy rice.

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet/Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern/Creole Fusion