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Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet

Featured in: One-Pot Wonders

This skillet brings together juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onion, and celery with tender white rice for a flavorful, vibrant main dish. Everything comes together in one pan for easy preparation and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The chicken is first seared for extra flavor, then nestled among aromatic vegetables and spices before simmering together with rice and tomatoes. Fresh parsley and lemon finish the dish, adding brightness and color. Enjoy this gluten-free meal with your favorite beverage for a satisfying Southern-inspired dinner.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:10:43 GMT
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet with golden chicken pieces, sautéed peppers, and vibrant parsley garnish. Save
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet with golden chicken pieces, sautéed peppers, and vibrant parsley garnish. | toastytongs.com

This Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet has saved my weeknight sanity countless times with its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and just one pan to clean. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken tucked into a bed of vibrant veggies and fluffy rice means everyone at the table is happy and satisfied—without hours in the kitchen.

I found this dish on a hectic school night when I was craving something both speedy and full of soul. Now, whenever I cook it, the scent of smoky spices brings everyone rushing to the table before I’ve even set out the plates.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for easiest prep
  • Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for deeper flavor
  • Cajun seasoning: Look for blends made with quality paprika and not overly salty or make your own with smoked and regular paprika
  • Salt and black pepper: to enhance savory flavors
  • Red and green bell pepper: Pick peppers that are shiny and firm
  • Yellow onion: Choose a fresh onion with tight skin for best results
  • Garlic: is best added fresh for punch
  • Celery: Look for crisp and pale green stalks
  • Long grain white rice: Use freshly rinsed rice to prevent stickiness
  • Low sodium chicken broth: Use homemade whenever possible for best taste
  • Diced tomatoes: Go for a quality brand of canned diced tomatoes with no added sugar
  • Smoked paprika: Make sure it is deep red and aromatic
  • Cayenne pepper: optional for those who love more heat Start with a pinch and build to your preference
  • Fresh parsley: for garnish Pick vivid green leaves and chop right before serving
  • Lemon wedges: as garnish brighten the whole skillet with fresh acidity

Instructions

Prep and Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and cut into large chunks before tossing thoroughly with Cajun seasoning salt and pepper until all sides are coated
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about five minutes turning once so the outside gets golden brown Do not worry if the insides are not fully cooked yet Remove chicken and set aside on a plate
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add chopped onion both diced bell peppers celery and minced garlic into the same skillet Cook over medium heat stirring often for three to four minutes until veggies look softened and onions are just turning translucent Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spatula
Toast the Rice and Spices:
Add rinsed rice smoked paprika and optional cayenne into the skillet Stir constantly for one minute until every grain is shiny and coated with spices This step adds nuttiness and infuses the dish with even more flavor
Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth Stir to combine with the rice and vegetables and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
Nestle and Simmer:
Tuck the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet making sure some rice and veggies come up around each piece Cover tightly and reduce the heat to low
Cook:
Let the pan cook undisturbed for twenty to twenty two minutes Stir just once halfway through to be sure nothing sticks to the bottom When done the rice should be tender and the chicken fully cooked through
Rest and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for five minutes This resting period lets the rice steam and finish absorbing the flavors Fluff gently with a fork then shower with chopped parsley Squeeze over fresh lemon juice if you wish
One-pan Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet steaming hot and ready for weeknight family dinner. Save
One-pan Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet steaming hot and ready for weeknight family dinner. | toastytongs.com

This skillet meal takes inspiration from classic Louisiana flavors and the comfort of Southern home kitchens In warmer months swap in summer squash or cherry tomatoes for a lighter effect In the fall cubed sweet potato makes a hearty twist Sprinkle with extra smoked paprika for winter coziness

Storage Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For best results reheat gently in a covered skillet with a few splashes of broth to keep the rice tender You can also portion and freeze cooled leftovers for up to two months thaw in the fridge overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts but reduce the cook time in step two for juicier results If you want more smoky flavor sliced andouille sausage is a classic addition For extra nutrition try brown rice but increase both the broth and cook time for proper grain texture

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh tang or a side green salad to round out the meal For spice lovers top with hot sauce or thinly sliced scallions This skillet is also lovely next to a piece of cornbread or with a refreshing glass of iced tea

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

This skillet meal takes inspiration from classic Louisiana flavors and the comfort of Southern home kitchens In warmer months swap in summer squash or cherry tomatoes for a lighter effect In the fall cubed sweet potato makes a hearty twist Sprinkle with extra smoked paprika for winter coziness

Colorful Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet served in a deep skillet with fluffy rice and vegetables. Save
Colorful Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet served in a deep skillet with fluffy rice and vegetables. | toastytongs.com

This versatile skillet dish is a weeknight lifesaver. Its bold flavors and satisfying ingredients are sure to become a family favorite.

Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet

Savory Cajun chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables combine in a flavorful, easy one-pan meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American (Cajun-inspired)

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 500 grams), cut into large chunks
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, diced
02 1 green bell pepper, diced
03 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 stalk celery, diced

Rice and Liquids

01 1 cup (approximately 200 grams) long-grain white rice, rinsed
02 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 can (approximately 400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, diced bell peppers, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Phase 03

Toast Rice and Spices: Stir in the rinsed rice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the rice and vegetables with spices.

Phase 04

Combine Liquids and Tomatoes: Add the drained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Phase 05

Finish Cooking: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, stirring once halfway through the cooking time.

Phase 06

Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Phase 07

Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with optional lemon wedges.

Tools needed

  • Large deep skillet with a lid
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • While the recipe itself does not contain major allergens, always verify the gluten content and potential cross-contamination in your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 29 g