One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28

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 recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, bell pepper 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced bell pepper
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup sliced, for garnish green onions
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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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.