YumVerseEats
Get New Recipes Weekly
Quick weeknight dinners, tested and ready.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet
15
min active
·
45
min total
·
4
servings
This Cajun chicken and rice skillet is cozy, one-pot comfort with seasoned chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and fluffy rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store: up to 4 days.
Reheat: covered with a splash of broth or water.
Avo's Tip
Keep the simmer gentle once the rice goes in so the bottom does not scorch before the rice is tender.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breast works if you avoid overcooking it.
Can I add sausage?
Yes. Brown sliced andouille before the chicken for extra smoky flavor.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It reheats well with a splash of broth to loosen the rice.
Why It Works
Searing the chicken first adds flavor
Finishing it with the rice keeps everything juicy and easy
Quick Fixes
Rice underdone: add broth and cook covered a few more minutes.
Chicken done early: remove it and return at the end.
Flavor tastes flat: finish with lemon or hot sauce.
Popular This Week
20
min active
·
30
min total
15
min active
·
25
min total
10
min active
·
25
min total
Ingredients
1
—
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
2
—
1 small yellow onion, diced
3
—
1 green bell pepper, diced
4
—
1 celery stalk, diced
5
—
3 cloves garlic, minced
6
—
1 tablespoon olive oil
7
—
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
8
—
1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, undrained
9
—
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10
—
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
11
—
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12
—
1/2 cup frozen peas or sliced scallions, optional
13
—
Lemon wedges or hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
1
Pat chicken dry and season with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
3
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning.
4
Stir in rinsed rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Nestle the chicken and any juices back into the skillet.
5
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 22 to 25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
6
Rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice. Add peas or scallions if using and serve with lemon or hot sauce.
RECIPE
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet
15
min active
·
45
min total
·
4
servings
1
Pat chicken dry and season with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
3
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning.
4
Stir in rinsed rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Nestle the chicken and any juices back into the skillet.
5
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 22 to 25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
6
Rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice. Add peas or scallions if using and serve with lemon or hot sauce.
ingrediENTS
—
1
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
—
2
1 small yellow onion, diced
—
3
1 green bell pepper, diced
—
4
1 celery stalk, diced
—
5
3 cloves garlic, minced
—
6
1 tablespoon olive oil
—
7
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
—
8
1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, undrained
—
9
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
—
10
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
—
11
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
—
12
1/2 cup frozen peas or sliced scallions, optional
—
13
Lemon wedges or hot sauce, for serving
instructions
High comfort. Low effort. Designed for real weeknights.
YumVerseEats
You Might Also Like
One-Pot Pasta
Easy one-pot pasta with sausage, spinach, and a creamy tomato basil sauce in 30 minutes.
10
min active
·
25
min total
DINNER
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
An rigatoni bake with savory sauce and gooey melted cheese throughout.
20
min active
·
40
min total
DINNER
.png)
Recipe Card
Your first week of dinners, free.
5 recipes, one shopping list, Sunday prep plan — instant download.