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One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice dish with spices and colorful vegetables

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

A complete meal with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
  • 1 tbsp cajun seasoning Adjust to taste if desired
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Base and Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil For searing the chicken
  • 1 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/3 cup green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 small roma tomato (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning For additional flavor
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For Garnish

  • to taste Fresh parsley For garnishing

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season the chicken thighs with cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cooking

  • In the same pot, sauté diced onion, bell peppers, tomato, and minced garlic until softened.
  • Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice and spices.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  • Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving

  • Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving.
  • Serve hot, right from the pot.

Notes

Great on its own, but can be paired with a green salad or crusty bread. Adjust Cajun seasoning as per preference, and add more vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cajun Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, one pot meal, Weeknight Dinner
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