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

There’s something irresistible about this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe – it’s comfort food with a spicy kick, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

A black bowl filled with two main layers: on the right side, a large amount of orange-brown seasoned rice mixed with small red bits and green herbs, and on the left side, a thick, dark brown grilled chicken with a slightly charred texture, sliced to show the white inside. The chicken is placed over some rice. Near the chicken, small yellow cubes of mango and a slice of lime with green herbs on top add fresh color. A fork is resting on the bottom 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 absolutely adore this recipe because it’s one of those magic dishes where everything comes together in a single pan yet tastes like you’ve put in way more effort. The Cajun spices bring warmth and a little heat, balanced perfectly by the sweet mango topping. Plus, it’s quick enough for any busy evening.

Simple Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor-Packed: Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken and rice with bold, smoky goodness that wakes up your taste buds.
Versatile & Fresh: The option to add juicy mangoes and fresh cilantro keeps it light and bright, adding layers of texture.
Ready Fast: It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe has a purpose, coming together to create a well-balanced dish. From the protein-rich chicken to the fragrant rice and the playful mango, each component elevates the meal without complicating it. Here’s a quick rundown of why these work so well:

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light sheen of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of golden Cajun seasoning powder, a few pats of fresh yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of amber honey, two ripe mangoes diced into neat cubes, a handful of vibrant green chopped cilantro, one celery stalk thinly sliced into crisp pieces, one diced red bell pepper with glossy skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with minced garlic, a small mound of uncooked long grain white rice, a small white ceramic bowl with clear chicken broth, 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 prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great if you want leaner protein.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gently browns the chicken for flavor.
Cajun seasoning: The magic blend that adds that authentic spicy, smoky punch.
Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the chicken and veggies.
Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness and helps create a slight glaze on the chicken.
Mangoes (optional): I love the contrast of sweet and spicy—it’s a fun way to brighten up the dish, but you can skip or swap with pineapple.
Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness.
Celery stalk: Adds crunch and subtle savory depth.
Bell pepper: I use red for color and a sweet flavor, but yellow or green work too.
Minced garlic: Essential to bring a more complex flavor foundation.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs the spices and broth, becoming fluffy and tasty.
Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps it healthy, and it steeps the rice with 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

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so I often switch up the protein or veggies based on what’s in my fridge. Personalizing it makes it feel like your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Try Chicken Thighs: I recently swapped chicken breasts for thighs, and the extra juiciness took the dish to a new level of comfort food.
Add Heat: Love it spicy? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers for an extra kick.
Seasonal Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or even kale alongside the celery and bell pepper for a nutrient boost.
Go Gluten-Free: Just double-check your Cajun seasoning and broth to stay gluten-free without compromising flavor.

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

A black bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with three main layers: a base of orange-brown seasoned rice with visible small red and green bits, a top layer of sliced grilled chicken with dark char marks and a browned crust, and small yellow mango cubes scattered near the chicken. Two thin lime slices rest on the rice next to the chicken. A fork and spoon are placed on the left edge inside the bowl, with the fork holding a small piece of chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

I start by rubbing olive oil all over the chicken breasts, then generously seasoning them with Cajun seasoning. This step is critical—don’t be shy with the spices! Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stir in honey just as it’s melted, and sear the chicken for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust. This locks in flavor and juices before cooking the rice.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in your celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute—the goal is to soften them just enough to release their aromas without losing their crunch. If the pan seems dry and you think the veggies might stick, add a tablespoon of butter to keep things smooth and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Rice, Seasoning, and Broth

Now stir in the uncooked long grain white rice along with another tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. This is where the rice will start absorbing those flavors, so give it a quick stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken on Top

Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer, return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice. Cover the pan, and let everything cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken will cook through perfectly, and the rice will become tender, soaking up all those Cajun flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve with Fresh Toppings

Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, plate the chicken and rice, and top with diced mangoes, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. The mango’s sweetness is an incredible foil against the spiciness, and the citrus kicks the whole dish up a notch.

Top Tip

I've made this recipe a dozen times, and a few small things make a big difference to the final dish. Here are my go-to tips to help you nail this one every time.

Don’t Rush Searing: Take your time browning the chicken to build that deep flavor foundation; it’s worth the extra minute or two.
Use Low Sodium Broth: This lets you control the saltiness, so the Cajun seasoning can shine without the dish getting too salty.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken and rice sit covered a few minutes off the heat after cooking; it helps meld flavors and makes the rice fluffier.
Don’t Peek Too Much: Opening the lid too often during simmering lets steam escape, which can result in undercooked rice.

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to garnish this meal with fresh cilantro—it adds a bright, herbal contrast that balances the spices. Diced mangoes give a juicy, tropical sweetness that really completes the flavor profile. And a squeeze of fresh lime on top pulls it all together with a zesty finish. If you want a little extra crunch, a sprinkle of toasted pepitas or chopped green onions works beautifully.

Side Dishes

I usually keep sides simple since this dish is pretty filling on its own. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing option. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted or steamed green beans or sautéed collard greens to add some extra veggies to the plate without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve occasionally served the chicken and rice in individual ramekins, topped with the mango salsa and cilantro, then broiled briefly for a golden crust on top. It’s perfect for dinner parties or when you want to impress without much fuss. Plating the dish with colorful garnishes makes it feel special, even on a casual night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the mango and cilantro garnishes to maintain their fresh texture; just add them back in when you reheat.

Freezing

If I know I want to save some for later, I portion and freeze the chicken and rice (without the fresh toppings). When thawed, it still tastes great – just a quick heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s fluffiness. Adding fresh garnishes right before serving helps brighten up leftovers, making them nearly as good as fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes), so adjust accordingly and maybe add more broth or water to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend to tone down the heat. Alternatively, omit any extra cayenne or jalapeños and serve the mango and lime generously, which will help balance the flavors with sweetness and acidity.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter. The dish will still turn out delicious, with the Cajun spices and other ingredients doing the heavy lifting on flavor.

What’s the best way to adjust this recipe for meal prep?

For meal prep, portion out the cooked chicken and rice into airtight containers and keep fresh garnishes separate until ready to eat. This helps preserve freshness, and you can quickly reheat individual servings throughout the week for an easy, flavorful lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

I truly think this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavorful, easy, and satisfying. It’s become a favorite in my house for busy nights when I want something comforting without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do – once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to meals too!