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Quick Cajun Chicken and Rice

A bold and flavorful one-pot Cajun chicken and rice recipe made with juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Rice
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Remove chicken and sauté onion and bell pepper in the same skillet for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
  6. Add rice and stir to coat with the mixture.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
  9. Rest for 5 minutes, slice chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.