Description
A bold, one-pan dinner that brings together spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender rice, and colorful vegetables in under 40 minutes. This easy Cajun chicken and rice skillet is weeknight comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
4. Add rinsed rice and stir to toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Return chicken to skillet, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Rinse the rice well to avoid gumminess.
You can swap chicken thighs for breasts but adjust cook time.
Adjust spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy cajun chicken and rice skillet, one-pan cajun chicken