One-Pot Wonders

Cajun Chicken & Rice

by:
February 15, 2022
5
10 Ratings
Cajun Chicken & Rice
Photo by Ty Mecham, prop styling by Alya Hameedi, food styling by Anna Billingskog
  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 40 minutes
  • Serves 4
Test Kitchen Notes

For this Cajun chicken and rice recipe, we love how far a simple spice mix (and some chicken fat) can take a dish. This one-pot dinner has just the right amount of heat thanks to the homemade seasoning. Skin-on, boneless thighs are also such a smart, fast cut of chicken—we just wish they were more prevalent (you can debone bone-in thighs, or just leave the bones in, this is such a flexible recipe). —The Editors

What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
Cajun Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Chicken & Rice
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 4 skin-on, boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • Parsley leaves and finely chopped scallions, for serving
Directions
  1. Cajun Seasoning
  2. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, oregano, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Do Ahead: The Cajun seasoning can be made 1 month ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
  1. Chicken & Rice
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of the oil to form a paste. Pat the chicken dry. In a medium bowl, massage the paste into the chicken with your hands.
  3. In a large deep skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining 1 teaspoon of the oil. Cook the chicken skin side down, turning once, for 5 to 7 minutes total, until browned (the chicken will continue to cook with the rice). Transfer to a plate; set aside.
  4. In the same skillet (do not wipe out) over medium heat, combine the onion, bell pepper, and celery; season with salt and pepper. Stir again to combine, add the butter, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning and continue to cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through, fragrant, and well combined.
  5. Add the broth and rice. Give the mixture a good stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer. Place the chicken and resting juices on top of the rice, cover, and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with the parsley and scallions.
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  • Naomi
    Naomi
  • Robyn
    Robyn
  • Duderanch
    Duderanch
  • Dharbison
    Dharbison
Millie Peartree

Recipe by: Millie Peartree

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9 Reviews

Robyn
Robyn January 5, 2023
This is one of my favorite recipes and I’ve made it at least ten times by now. I’ve had to make subs a few times due to not having certain ingredients on hand (and it always turns out great!), but I always make it with boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Subs I’ve made:
- using water in lieu of broth
- using a carrot in place of the bell pepper (it was just a little less spicy)

Bonus:
I use the leftover seasoning later in the week to make French fries using russet potatoes and it’s delicious!
 
Duderanch
Duderanch December 25, 2022
Very tasty & super easy! I used boneless skinless thighs I already had and rather than do the cajun mixture, I simply used a cajun seasoning I already had. Went well with my red beans (& rice) and green beans. Agree with Millie, recipe is well seasoned (cajun) with flavor but not spicy.
 
Dharbison
Dharbison October 9, 2022
Go to recipe! Amazing everything I make it.
 
sheebf
sheebf July 21, 2022
Made this for my husband who loves Cajun food, home run! Thanks Millie
 
Naomi
Naomi March 22, 2022
Really simple, delicious, and great leftovers! I tried de-boning chicken thighs and it was not my favorite thing to do, but next time I'll experiment with boneless/skinless and I think it would still be great. My only complaint is that the spice mixture makes more than the recipe uses, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
 
yonekomurillo
yonekomurillo March 10, 2022
This recipe is simple, easy to make, and soooo delicious!! I will be adding it into my cooking rotation for dinner! I love Millie's recipes <3
 
BawnBawn
BawnBawn March 6, 2022
This recipe is so straightforward and easy to follow, that I was surprised by how incredibly delicious it came out! Smells amazing as you cook, tastes even better once you lift that lid. An instant favorite for us. We love Millie's recipes!
 
swiens
swiens March 6, 2022
Thank you for this simple and flavourful recipe. The recipe comes together so quickly and the flavours are perfect! I will definitely be making this one again.
 
Andrea
Andrea March 5, 2022
Looks simple and delicious, look forward to trying it soon. Now to find boneless chicken thighs as I mostly see boneless/skinless.