Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl
A one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in smoky Cajun spices, layered over fluffy rice with a savory black bean mixture. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, long-grain white rice, black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add to pot and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, to pot and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup long-grain white rice and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 cup frozen corn, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Step 4: Return cooked chicken to pot, stir to combine, and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long-grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a weekly staple. So easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured the rice bowls! The black beans were a hit.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the rice took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said.
