One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot Cajun chicken and dirty rice dish packed with bold spices, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables for an easy weeknight meal. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced bell pepper, diced celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced medium onion to the pot. Cook with the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup long grain white rice, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice?

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 One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice 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 One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice?

Southern chicken 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.

Related recipes