The best thing about making dishes that require just one pot, is that it only takes ONE pot from start to finish. We all have our go-to recipes when it comes to making dinner, but sometimes making rice, a vegetable, and a protein take up the entire stove, and oven. Let this one pot cajun chicken and rice be your lifesaver during the week. Delicious, easy, and excellent for a meal prep!

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

Cajun chicken is not a new concept, however, cajun chicken in rice, all in one pot, is kind of amazing. Cajun spice is native to Southern Louisiana, and has a very flavorful bite to it. The benefits of making everything in one pot is not worrying about timing of other foods that have to go in the oven or boil on the stove. It's done in stages, in one large pot, veggies and all!

What is cajun spice?

Cajun spice is native to Louisiana, and is made up of 10 ingredients or less, and typical consists of paprika, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Some brands may vary, but this is pretty typical of a cajun blend. You can add cajun spice to just about anything, including:

• Veggies
• Seafood
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Pasta
• Casseroles

It adds a depth of flavor like none other, and you can easily find a cajun spice at your local grocery store.

How do I make this dish?

This dish is easily made by adding the veggies to a large, deep pot, simmering until fragrant, then adding in the chicken, stock, rice, and letting it cook until the rice has fully absorbed the broth. It's a great dinner to make ahead of time, reheat, or prep on the weekends, and doesn't require much more than just one large pot and a few items from your pantry?

Kitchen Tools:

As I've said before, using one pot for a meal essentially means less tools to use during the cooking process. All you need is below:

• A sturdy, deep, large pot
• A wooden spoon
• Measuring cups: for the broth and rice

Ingredients:

I am fairly certain you already have a few of these, if not all, of the ingredients below for this cajun chicken and rice dish. This is an easy, uncomplicated dish!

• Chicken: Chicken breast works the best for this dish
• Rice: We use jasmine rice, but feel free to use typical white rice or basmati
• Chicken stock: You can also use vegetable stock.
• Celery
• Garlic
• Shallot: If you don't have a shallot, feel free to use a traditional onion
• Carrots
• Peppers: I like to use a variety of colors for the peppers, so I opt for orange and red.
• Cajun Spice: I like using McCormick's Cajun Spice, but you can find different brands at your local store.
• Oil: to sauté the veggies and the chicken.

Directions:

These directions do not get any easier than this:

1. Start by sautéing the shallot, carrot, celery, and garlic together until fragrant and soft (3-4 minutes).
2. Add in the diced chicken and let sear on all sides until almost fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with cajun seasoning.
3. To the chicken and veggies, add in the red pepper and mix to combine.
4. Add in the rice and pour in the stock. Cover the pot and let cook on a medium-low flame until the rice has absorbed all of the stock, approximately 22-25 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Can I make this dish using a slow cooker?

Yes! You can  make this dish in a slow cooker. You'll need a good amount more of broth so that it cooks low and slow versus on a steady flame for 25 minutes. This dish is absolutely adaptable for a slow cooker or an instant pot. For a slow cooker:

1. Cook on high for four hours.
2. Add 3 cups broth to the rice, chicken, and veggies.
3. You don't have to sauté the chicken or veggies ahead of time.

Hungry for more?

If you like this chicken dish, you will love these!

• Italian Chicken Meatballs
• Tuscan Chicken
• French Onion Chicken Meatballs