Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet is a bold, flavorful one-pan dish that brings the heat and savory depth of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, then seared to perfection and combined with fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, spicy sauce.

This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or for entertaining when you want a hearty, colorful, and satisfying dinner without using multiple pots and pans. The combination of tender chicken, spicy seasoning, and perfectly cooked rice makes this dish a true flavor-packed delight.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup. The Cajun seasoning provides a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the skillet cooking ensures the rice absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken and vegetables.

It’s incredibly satisfying and filling, yet flexible enough to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it’s an all-in-one meal packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, meaning you get a balanced, hearty dish in one skillet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

The combination of Cajun spices and tender chicken elevates ordinary rice into a dish that’s bursting with flavor, making it both comforting and exciting.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern American

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Cooking Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to skillet and cook 4–5 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in rice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toast rice for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a boil.
Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley and green onions. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Season chicken: Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Sear chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: Cook onion and bell peppers 3–4 minutes, add garlic 30 seconds.
Toast rice: Stir in rice, smoked paprika, and cayenne, toast 1–2 minutes.
Simmer: Add broth and tomatoes, return chicken, cover, and cook 18–20 minutes on low.
Finish and garnish: Rest 5 minutes, fluff rice, garnish with parsley and green onions.

How to Serve

Serve Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet directly from the pan for a rustic presentation. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Optionally, top with extra green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Recipe Tips

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
Use homemade Cajun seasoning for a fresher, more customized flavor.
Toasting the rice before adding liquid adds a subtle nutty flavor.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Make sure to cover the skillet while simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly.

Variations

Shrimp Cajun Skillet: Replace chicken with peeled shrimp, cooking for 4–5 minutes until pink.
Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add chickpeas or extra vegetables.
Brown Rice Version: Substitute brown rice and increase simmering time by 10 minutes.
Creamy Cajun: Stir in 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy variation.
Smoky Cajun: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked sausage for extra depth.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Can freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the rice.
Reheating: Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking chicken or drying out rice.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet with lid or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless thighs work well and are more forgiving in terms of cooking time.

Q: Can I make this dish milder?
A: Reduce cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, cook the dish and store in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Zucchini, corn, or mushrooms are great additions.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

With tender, seasoned chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice infused with bold Cajun spices, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, spicy, and easy-to-make dinner. Its versatility, ease, and robust flavors make it a standout addition to your recipe collection.