Spice up your dinner routine with this One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice. This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken, flavorful sausage, and tender rice, all cooked together with bold Cajun spices. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something with a little kick, this one-pan dish delivers big on flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice for its robust, spicy flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of chicken, sausage, and rice cooked in a single pan makes for a quick and satisfying meal that’s full of texture and flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick that balances perfectly with the smoky sausage and tender chicken. Plus, everything is cooked together, so cleanup is a breeze, making it ideal for any night of the week.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Andouille Sausage: For an authentic Cajun flavor, use andouille sausage, but any smoked sausage will work.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Brown the chicken just until it’s cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay moist during cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, celery, or onions for added nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute the Rice: Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Seafood Option: Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood version of this dish.
- Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the bold flavors. A cold beer or a glass of iced tea pairs wonderfully with the spicy, smoky notes of the dish. For a complete meal, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, if using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice and brown it with the chicken for added flavor.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. It’s also great for meal prep.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and sausage are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different grain? Absolutely! Farro, bulgur, or even couscous can be used as substitutes for rice, though cooking times will vary.
One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice
Spice up your dinner with One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice, featuring juicy chicken, flavorful sausage, and tender rice all cooked in bold Cajun spices. This easy, satisfying dish brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with minimal effort and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken and Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sliced sausage, cooking until the chicken is browned and the sausage is slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rinsed rice, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika, ensuring the rice is well coated with the spices.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the browned chicken and sausage to the pan. Cover and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, with extra Cajun seasoning on the side if needed.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 445Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 2301mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 16g
