One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
Easy One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice with bold Cajun flavors, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. A comforting one-pan dinner ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Cajun
Ingredients
Cajun Chicken
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Cajun Rice
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 small Roma tomato, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down first until golden brown on both sides.
Remove the chicken and set aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, tomato, and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add the rice, Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the rice and spices.
Step 5: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
Add the butter and mix until melted.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Always rinse the rice under cold water before cooking for fluffier results.
Use a 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio for perfectly cooked rice.
Avoid lifting the lid while simmering to prevent steam from escaping.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-and-rice/
