\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?\u003c/strong\u003e

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook meat. They add extra flavor and still cook nicely with the rice.

\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I don’t have mango?\u003c/strong\u003e

No worries! You can leave it out or swap with other fresh fruits like pineapple or even diced tomatoes for a different twist – still delicious!

\u003cstrong\u003eHow spicy is this dish?\u003c/strong\u003e

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by how much Cajun seasoning you add. You can always start with less and add more later if you want it hotter.

\u003cstrong\u003eCan I make this recipe gluten-free?\u003c/strong\u003e

Yes! Just double-check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free, which many brands do offer these days. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Cajun Chicken and Rice: Easy One-Pot Dinner Idea

Name: One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon butter (as needed); 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced (red preferred); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 mangoes, diced (optional); Handful cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges for squeezing

Description

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked with aromatic vegetables and long grain rice in a single skillet. Finished with sweet mango, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it an effortless family favorite ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon butter (as needed)

Vegetables and Rice

1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, diced (red preferred)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Garnish

2 mangoes, diced (optional)
Handful cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for squeezing

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Rub olive oil all over the chicken breasts. Season them thoroughly with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to ensure a flavorful coating.
Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Add the chicken to the pan and brown each side for 1-2 minutes until nicely seared. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. If the pan looks dry, add 1 tablespoon more butter as needed.
Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer with Chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Nestle the browned chicken breasts on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.
Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice with a generous scoop of diced mangoes, fresh cilantro sprinkled on top, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
The mango is optional but adds a lovely sweet counterbalance to the spicy Cajun flavors. Pineapple can be used as an alternative.
If chicken thighs are used instead of breasts, cooking time might vary slightly; ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 404 kcal
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 628 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 59 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 73 mg