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 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon butter (as needed); 1 celery stalk (thinly sliced); 1 bell pepper (diced, red preferred); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 mangoes (diced, optional); handful cilantro (chopped); Lime wedges (for squeezing)

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen when you make this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant, one-pan wonder that combines spicy, sweet, and savory notes all in a single skillet, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.

The image shows a close-up of a black bowl filled with two main layers: on the right side, a generous serving of reddish-brown rice mixed with small pieces of red pepper, and on the left side, a well-spiced, grilled piece of chicken with visible dark brown and black grill marks, sliced to reveal the white, tender inside. Small cubes of yellow fruit and a wedge of light green lime are placed near the chicken, adding bright color. A silver fork rests on the edge of the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture 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 been making this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe for years, and every time, it brings that perfect mix of bold Cajun spices balanced by a touch of honey’s sweetness. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and exciting, and it’s just so straightforward to cook.

Easy Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pan, you get a fantastic meal without a mountain of dishes afterward.
Flavor-Packed: The Cajun seasoning brings smoky, spicy heat while the honey adds a subtle sweetness that keeps things balanced.
Versatile Ingredients: It works well with chicken breasts or thighs, and you can add your favorite veggies or fruit toppings to personalize it.
Quick to Prepare: From stove to table in about 30 minutes – perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty without the fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a role in layering flavors and textures. This combo makes the dish stand out while keeping it accessible. Here’s a little about why I stick to these ingredients and a few shopping tidbits.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small drizzle of olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, two teaspoons of reddish-brown Cajun seasoning in a white bowl, two tablespoons of yellow butter in a small white bowl, a tablespoon of amber honey in a white bowl, two ripe mangoes diced with bright orange flesh, a handful of fresh green cilantro leaves, a thinly sliced celery stalk with pale green pieces on a white plate, one diced red bell pepper, a teaspoon of minced garlic cloves in a white bowl, a small mound of uncooked long grain white rice, two and a quarter cups of golden chicken broth in a white bowl, arranged with perfect symmetry, natural colors, 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 usually prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work beautifully too as long as you don't overcook them.
Olive oil: Just enough to help the Cajun seasoning cling to the chicken and give a nice sear.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show! This mixes smoky spices and heat—making homemade or store-bought an easy upgrade.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the honey caramelize gently for a sweet-spicy glaze on the chicken.
Honey: A bit of natural sweetness to balance the spices and create that gorgeous caramelization.
Mangoes (optional): I love adding fresh diced mangoes for a juicy pop, but you can totally swap with pineapple or leave it out for a savory version.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous freshness to cut through the richness.
Celery stalk: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness when sautéed with the pepper and garlic.
Bell pepper: I'm partial to red bell pepper for sweetness and color, but use whatever you have on hand.
Minced garlic: Garlic is essential for that deep, honed flavor base.
Long grain white rice: It cooks up fluffy and absorbs all those spices and broth flavors perfectly.
Chicken broth (low sodium preferred): Using broth (instead of water) amps up the savory depth of the rice.

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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’m all about making recipes your own, so don’t hesitate to tweak this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe based on what you like or what’s in your fridge. I often switch up the veggies or add a squeeze of lime juice right before serving for an extra zing.

Variation: I once swapped mangoes for diced pineapple, and that tropical twist was amazing—feel free to experiment!
Spice Level Adjustment: If you like things more fiery, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne; for milder tastes, cut down a little.
Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a fun twist that cooks just as quickly.

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

A black bowl filled with orange-colored rice mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, forming the bottom layer. On top, a piece of grilled chicken with dark brown grill marks and a slightly charred texture is sliced into five thick pieces, arranged side by side diagonally across the bowl. On one side of the chicken, three green lime slices and small yellow mango cubes create a fresh garnish. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl, with a piece of chicken and rice resting on it. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken with Flavor

Start by rubbing olive oil all over your chicken breasts or thighs, then season them generously with Cajun seasoning. This little step locks in flavor right from the start. I like to pat the chicken dry first so the seasoning sticks better and the chicken browns nicely.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken with Honey Butter

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in honey just as it melts. This combo creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes the chicken skin lightly as it browns. Cook the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side until it’s got a nice golden crust but isn’t cooked through. Then transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

Next, toss in the thinly sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Since there’s usually enough butter and oil from the earlier step, you likely won’t need more, but I keep a tablespoon of butter handy just in case to keep everything luscious. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant and just tender.

Step 4: Cook the Rice and Finish the Dish

Stir in the uncooked rice, extra Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Crank the heat and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and nestle the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Serve It Up with Fresh Toppings

After fluffing the rice with a fork, spoon the chicken and rice onto plates and top with diced mangoes, freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a pop of freshness. The mango’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory, spicy Cajun flavors.

Top Tip

Having made this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe quite a few times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and outstanding.

Don't Skip Browning: Take the time to brown the chicken—it seals in juices and adds fantastic flavor and texture.
Layer Your Spices: Adding Cajun seasoning both to the chicken and the rice mixture ensures every bite is deeply flavorful.
Watch the Liquid: Different rice types absorb liquid at varying rates; make sure to keep an eye to avoid dry rice or mushy meals.
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest a few minutes after searing helps keep it tender and juicy.

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a big fan of fresh cilantro and juicy mango cubes—they brighten the plate and add fresh flavor contrast. A couple of lime wedges on the side always come in handy for squeezing over the dish, adding just the right touch of acidity.

Side Dishes

Since the One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal on its own, I usually keep sides light. A simple green salad or steamed green beans with a hint of garlic works perfectly. Sometimes I jazz it up with a side of roasted corn or sautéed okra for that Southern vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish family-style in a large cast iron skillet right at the table, garnished with colorful slices of avocado and extra herbs. It’s as festive as it is delicious! You can also spoon it into small bowls and add a fried egg on top for brunch vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice tends to soak up liquid as it sits, so when you reheat it, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, the texture holds up nicely, especially if you add a bit of moisture during warming.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth, stirring occasionally to keep the rice fluffy and avoid drying out the chicken. The microwave works too, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook so you’ll need to increase the simmer time and possibly add more broth. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice slightly before combining in the skillet to ensure it’s tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Typically, it has a moderate kick, but you can always adjust by adding less or more seasoning or omitting any extra heat like cayenne if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to check your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth labels to confirm they are gluten-free. Most ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I substitute for mango if I don’t like it?

Pineapple chunks, peach slices, or even some chopped red bell peppers are great alternatives that complement the Cajun flavors nicely while adding texture and brightness to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how easy it comes together without skimping on bold Southern flavors. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it might become your go-to weeknight favorite, just like it did for me!