Get ready to bring the vibrant, bold flavors of Louisiana straight to your dinner table with this incredible One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice recipe! This hearty dish is a symphony of tender chicken, savory smoked sausage, tender bell peppers and onions, all simmered with rice in a zesty, perfectly spiced Cajun broth. It’s a complete meal cooked in just one skillet, promising maximum flavor with minimal cleanup – a true weeknight champion!
Why I Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is a go-to for me when I crave bold flavors and effortless cooking. What I love most is how it combines the rich, smoky taste of smoked sausage with the tender goodness of chicken thighs, all infused with that characteristic Cajun seasoning. The rice cooks directly in the flavorful broth, soaking up every bit of spice and savory goodness, making it incredibly satisfying. It’s a truly comforting meal that feels like it took hours to make, but actually comes together in under an hour, all in one pan. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family and always leaves everyone feeling happy and full!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful one-pan Cajun dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa recommended), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or regular long-grain white rice)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but cook them carefully to avoid drying out.
- Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage is traditional for Cajun dishes and offers a spicy kick. Kielbasa or any other good quality smoked sausage works too.
- Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness, while green bell pepper offers a classic savory taste. Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite brand of store-bought Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama), or make your own blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Do not use instant rice.
- Diced Tomatoes: Undrained diced tomatoes add essential moisture and flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth.
- Frozen Peas: Optional, but they add a nice pop of color and sweetness at the end. You can also add corn kernels.
- Garnish: Fresh chopped green onions add a final burst of freshness and color.
Instructions
Let’s get this fantastic One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice cooking!
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces and slice the smoked sausage into rounds or half-moons. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Cook Protein: In a large skillet or Dutch oven (one with a tight-fitting lid), heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sliced sausage to the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the sausage has a nice sear. Remove the cooked chicken and sausage from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell pepper (no need for more oil, use the residual fat from the sausage and chicken). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Rice: Stir in the 1 cup of long-grain rice to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Allow it to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pan with the rice and vegetables. Add the 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove the pan from the heat. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired. Remember that Cajun seasoning can be quite salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish generously with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice!
Tips for Success
- Sear Proteins First: Browning the chicken and sausage before adding other ingredients builds a crucial layer of flavor in the pan, which then infuses the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcook Rice: Simmer on low heat with the lid on, and don’t stir too much, which can make the rice mushy. The 20-25 minute cook time is generally ideal.
- Toast the Rice: Briefly toasting the dry rice before adding liquid adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry before searing helps it brown better.
- Adjust Spice Level: Cajun seasoning varies. Start with the recommended amount and add more to taste at the end if you like more heat.
- Lid On! Keeping the lid tightly on during the rice cooking is essential for steaming the rice and ensuring it absorbs the liquid properly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Cornbread: A side of warm cornbread would be perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty main.
- Hot Sauce: Offer extra hot sauce on the side for those who want to kick up the heat.
- For other incredibly flavorful and easy Southern-inspired dishes, you might also love our This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight!
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You might need to add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the rice if it seems too dry.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, flavorful, and easy nature of this One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another fantastic crowd-pleasing chicken dish that’s packed with flavor, check out This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re a fan of easy one-pan meals, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a must-try.
- And for a super easy way to feed a crowd with chicken, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
- Finally, for another cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a winner.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing the bold, comforting flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table with incredible ease. It’s hearty, incredibly delicious, and packed with everything you need for a satisfying meal, all in one pot.
Give this recipe a try and let the vibrant flavors transport you! What’s your favorite one-pan meal that feels gourmet? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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