One-Pot Cajun Chicken Rice (Printable)

Savory chicken and rice simmered in Cajun seasoning for bold flavor in a single pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 cups long-grain white rice
08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

# Method:

01 - Season chicken thigh pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until veggies begin to soften.
03 - Add seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and uncooked rice, mixing thoroughly to coat the grains with oil and spice mixture.
05 - Pour in chicken stock and add diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
06 - Increase heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove pot from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick cleanup since everything cooks in one pot
  • Big Cajun flavor that is easy to customize to your spice level
  • Meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner
02 -
  • Loaded with protein thanks to juicy chicken
  • Naturally dairy free with lots of veggies
  • You can tone down or amp up the spice to your liking
03 -
  • For even more depth scatter in sliced andouille sausage with the chicken
  • Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of white wine after sautéing the veggies for an extra pop
  • Let the kids help with measuring spices—it is a great way to make this a family dinner tradition
Return