Name: One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs); 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 celery stalk (thinly sliced); 1 bell pepper (diced, red recommended); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; handful cilantro (chopped); 2 mangoes (diced, optional); 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon butter (as needed for sautéing); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

There’s something wonderfully cozy about a dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors, and this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe does just that. It’s a vibrant, all-in-one skillet meal that delivers Cajun spice and comforting rice, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without fuss.

A white plate holds a serving of seasoned rice on the right side, colored light brown with small bits of red pepper mixed in, showing a soft, fluffy texture. On the left side of the plate lies a grilled chicken piece with dark brown char marks and a rough texture, sliced halfway to reveal white, moist meat inside. Above the chicken are small yellow diced pieces and a thin slice of lime, placed near the edge of the plate for garnish. A silver fork rests at the bottom left corner, partially under the chicken, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of one-pot meals because they cut down on cleanup but never skimp on flavor. The journey of making this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is like a little party in your skillet — the sizzle, the colorful veggies, and that irresistible Cajun kick. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something quick, hearty, and gratifying.

Simple One-Pan Prep: Everything cooks together, so you save time and dishes – which we all appreciate!
Bold Cajun Flavors: The seasoning packs a spicy, smoky punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Fresh and Fruity Twist: Tossing mango into the mix adds a delightful sweetness that balances the spice.
Adaptable Ingredients: You can swap chicken types and cozy it up with different veggies or garnishes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe come alive, besides the Cajun seasoning? It’s the synergy between tender chicken, savory broth, and the fresh crunch of veggies, plus that surprising hint of sweetness from mango. Here’s why each main ingredient earns its spot:

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil on top, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, two teaspoons of reddish-brown Cajun seasoning in a small white bowl, a few tablespoons of pale yellow butter portions on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with amber honey, two ripe mangoes cut into small cubes, a handful of bright green chopped cilantro arranged neatly, one thinly sliced celery stalk with fresh green leaves, one diced red bell pepper with vibrant red and green pieces, a small heap of minced white garlic cloves, one cup of uncooked long grain white rice in a simple white bowl, and a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, all arranged with perfect symmetry and natural freshness, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts or thighs: I like thighs for juicier meat, but breasts work well and cook quickly.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice sear.
Cajun seasoning: It’s the heart of the dish—smoky, spicy, and aromatic.
Butter: Adds richness; melting it with honey creates a sticky glaze on the chicken.
Honey: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
Mango (optional): Fresh mango offers a juicy sweetness that contrasts the spice beautifully.
Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and an earthy freshness.
Bell pepper: I use red for sweetness and color, but any color works.
Minced garlic: Essential for depth and that irresistible aroma.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those fantastically spiced juices perfectly.
Chicken broth: Keeps the rice tender and infuses more savory flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe my own by swapping fresh ingredients or tweaking spice levels. You’ll find that these little changes keep it exciting every time you cook it.

Variation: I sometimes use chicken thighs when I want more juicy, flavorful meat. If chicken isn’t your thing, shrimp is also fantastic here — just add it toward the end so it doesn’t overcook.
Heat Level: Feel free to dial up the Cajun seasoning if you like it spicy or add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky heat.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap in zucchini, corn, or green beans depending on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.
Make it Vegan: You can use plant-based “chicken” or tofu and vegetable broth, plus vegan butter to keep all the flavors intact.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

A black bowl filled with a base layer of orange-colored rice mixed with small pieces of red peppers, spread evenly across the bowl. On top, there is a thick, sliced piece of grilled chicken with a dark brown, slightly charred crust, placed diagonally across the rice in the center. To the left of the chicken, there are three thin lime slices arranged overlapping each other, and small bright yellow mango cubes are scattered nearby. A silver fork and spoon rest inside the bowl on the left side, with the fork slightly inserted into the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First, rub olive oil all over your chicken pieces, then massage on those vibrant Cajun spices generously. Heating the skillet to medium helps the butter melt just right; stir in honey to give the chicken a glorious caramelized glaze when seared. Brown your chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side — don’t worry about cooking it through now, just get that golden color. Then, set the chicken aside. This early step is crucial to lock in juicy flavor and build the dish’s foundation.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Use the flavorful oil and butter left in the pan from the chicken to sauté celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic for about a minute. If your pan looks dry, add a tablespoon of butter to keep things moist. This gentle cooking softens the veggies just enough so they stay crisp but mellow, blending perfectly with the spices to come.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth, Simmer with Chicken

Now stir in the rice and an additional tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, making sure the rice gets coated well in the savory mixture. Pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat, nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is the magic moment where the flavors harmonize and the rice soaks up all those delicious juices while the chicken gently cooks.

Step 4: Fluff, Garnish, and Serve

Once your timer’s up, fluff the rice to separate those tender grains and plate it alongside your perfectly cooked chicken. Top with fresh diced mango if you’re using it, sprinkle chopped cilantro for a punch of freshness, and don’t forget some lime wedges to squeeze over for that citrusy brightness. Trust me, that final touch lifts the whole dish spectacularly.

Top Tip

Making this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe for the first time, I quickly learned a few things that made a huge difference — and I want you to get it just right on your first go.

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken before simmering adds an amazing caramelized flavor you just can’t get otherwise.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: It helps control saltiness since the Cajun seasoning can already be salty.
Cover the Pan Tightly: This traps steam so the rice cooks evenly — don’t peek too often or heat escapes.
Fresh Mango is a Game-Changer: It provides a juicy burst that balances the spices and keeps the dish feeling light and bright.

How to Serve One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh chopped cilantro because it adds a lively herbal note that cuts through the richness. Fresh lime wedges are a must for me too — a quick squeeze wakes up all the flavors. When mango is on hand, I spoon some juicy bits right on top for a sweet and spicy contrast that’s irresistible every time.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple and fresh. A crunchy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs nicely, or you can serve steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to add more veggies without overwhelming the dish’s bold profile. Cornbread is also a great Southern-inspired side if you want something hearty alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the rice in a ring mold for a neat presentation and nestle the chicken on top, garnished with mango salsa and a sprig of cilantro. It makes a striking centerpiece for dinner guests and elevates this humble dish into something a little fancy but still homely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the dish cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually portion it out because this recipe keeps well and the flavors actually deepen overnight. It makes for an easy lunch or dinner option the next day.

Freezing

I've frozen leftovers successfully by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out and warm it slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and the rice fluffy. If using a microwave, covering with a damp paper towel helps retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and check your chicken broth label to avoid additives.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without becoming sticky. Avoid using quick-cooking or pre-cooked rice, which can turn mushy in this one-pot method.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or tempeh, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use vegan butter to keep the flavors deliciously rich.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking it covered with the rice helps it steam through gently, so check for no pink inside before serving.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s quick, soul-satisfying, and packed with personality. I’m excited for you to try it — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out and, best of all, it’s easier to pull off than you think. Once you get your spices and timing right, you’ll have a fabulous, fuss-free meal that feels a little like a mini vacation straight to the heart of Cajun country.