One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Rice

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

A vibrant and hearty one-pot dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken and smoked sausage with tender rice and bell peppers. This caribbean-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, smoked sausage, sliced, long grain white rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage and sauté for 3 minutes until browned and fragrant. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, coating it with the oil and vegetables for 1 minute. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Chop the cooked chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and stir them back into the rice mixture. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage 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 Sausage 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 smoked sausage, sliced from drying out.

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

Caribbean 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.

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