Description
This one-pot Cajun Chicken and Rice with Bell Peppers is bold, colorful, and comforting. Juicy chicken thighs, seasoned rice, and crisp bell peppers come together in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion and bell peppers for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add rice and stir to coat. Toast for 1 minute.
4. Return chicken to pan. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme. Pour in broth and stir.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Let rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.
Rinse rice before cooking to avoid sticky texture.
Add a splash of broth when reheating for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken and rice with bell peppers, one-pot chicken recipe, spicy chicken rice