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This skillet recipe for Cajun chicken and rice has been the answer to the 6 pm question, “What should I make for dinner tonight?”
One Pot Cajun Chicken & Rice
After living in Louisiana for many years, I have developed a thing for Cajun food, so when I have no time to make my grandma’s glorious Spanish chicken and rice, this recipe always comes in handy.
Everything comes together in a pot, and since the chicken is diced, it cooks faster! And let’s talk flavor. Tender rice combined with golden chicken cubes, garlic, onion, bacon, and flavorful Cajun seasoning to die for!
How to Make Skillet Cajun Chicken & Rice
Nothing can beat the convenience of cooking a complete meal in one skillet. Here’s how to make this delish Cajun chicken and rice:
- Cook the bacon for a few minutes until it has browned on both sides. Remove the bacon from the skillet.
- Cook the chicken pieces in the same skillet. You'll finish cooking it later, so once they are brown, remove them from the skillet.
- Sauté the onions and garlic, then add the Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, rice, and water.
- Combine the cooked bacon and the chicken pieces with the rice and aromatics. Let it simmer covered for about 15 minutes; then turn off the heat and let it rest 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking.
How Spicy Is This Recipe?
This chicken and rice recipe includes only 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, enough to give this meal a slight spicy kick that the entire family can enjoy. You can always use less or more to your liking! If your family enjoys spice, feel free to add a few more teaspoons to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this Cajun chicken & rice by itself or add an everyday side salad or a fresh bruschetta salad. I also love sipping a spicy margarita or tequila soda; both cocktails go amazingly well with this delicious meal!
More Easy Cajun Recipes
Other recipes we love in the South are seared Cajun salmon, Cajun sausage Alfredo, Cajun salmon pasta, and Spicy Cajun shrimp tacos.
Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bacon strip
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, ½ cup, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
Prep:
- Chop the onion and garlic. Chop the chicken into even-sized 1-inch pieces. Measuring out the other ingredients or bringing them out to the counter will save time.
Cook:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook it for about 2 minutes, until it has browned on both sides. Remove it from the skillet onto a plate.
- Add the oil to the skillet and cook the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes, long enough for all sides to brown. Remove them from the pan onto the plate. You'll finish cooking the chicken with the rice.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes. Once they’ve softened, add the garlic and stir, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Add the Cajun seasoning and stir. Add the diced tomatoes with the liquid to the skillet, the white rice, and the water. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and any juices from the plate, as well as the piece of bacon chopped into a few pieces, and mix everything.
- Bring it to a boil, cover it with a lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer (lowest setting). Cook for 15 minutes and turn off the heat. Let it sit there covered for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking until the rice is soft.
Serve:
- With a fork, fluff the Cajun rice in the skillet. Serve into bowls.
Lisa says
We love this dish in our home. All the spices blend so well together, and the Cajun seasoning really gives it a nice kick. I don’t usually add bacon, but I might try it on one side for the kids. I also love how easy this dish is to make and how filling it is.
jerry godinho says
This Cajun chicken and rice recipe looks absolutely delicious and vibrant. I love how you combine bold spices with simple ingredients; it makes me want to try it for a cozy family dinner night. Thanks for the clear instructions and tips, because this feels like a recipe that’s both flavorful and easy enough to become a weeknight favorite.
Catalina says
Tried it today and it came together really easily. Warm, hearty, and just the right amount of spice.
Bedabrata Chakraborty says
I love Cajun and this appears like a complete meal. Can you please suggest any vegetarian substitute to chicken that i flavour with Cajun for my vegetarian family and friends?
Laura Fuentes says
Cubed tofu or 1-2 cans of beans, rinsed and drained.
Kat says
Using bacon grease for the rice base is the right way to build flavor. I usually struggle with timing the rice and chicken together but this skillet method keeps things simple for a Tuesday night