One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice
A hearty one-pot meal combining tender chicken with smoky Cajun spices and creamy rice for an easy weeknight dinner. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp for garnish chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and 2 tsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice to coat grains with the oil and vegetables, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup frozen peas, and the cooked chicken pieces. Continue cooking uncovered on low for 5 minutes until peas are heated through and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Creamy Cajun Chicken and 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 Creamy Cajun Chicken and 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 Creamy Cajun Chicken and 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 Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice?
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.
