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; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 1 celery stalk (thinly sliced); 1 bell pepper (diced, preferably red); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon butter (as needed); 2 mangoes (diced, optional); Handful cilantro (chopped)

There’s something so comforting about a meal that all comes together in one pot, like this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe. The spicy kick, smoky chicken, and tender rice blend perfectly with a hint of honeyed sweetness that just makes you want to dive in again and again.

A white plate holds a serving of reddish-brown seasoned grilled chicken slices arranged in the center, with the front piece cut to show white juicy meat inside. On the right side, there is a mound of orange-brown rice mixed with small bits of red pepper and green herbs. On the left side near the chicken, there are small diced yellow pieces of fruit and two thin white lime slices sprinkled with green herbs. A silver fork lies at the bottom, partially under the chicken. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those meals I keep going back to on busy weeknights. Why? Because it’s fuss-free, bursting with flavor, and uses just one pan—less cleanup and more time for the things you love.

Easy one-pan cooking: Everything cooks together, locking in flavor and saving you time.
Bold Cajun spice blend: The seasoning packs a punch but stays well balanced with a touch of honey and fresh mango.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap veggies or protein, making it fit your mood or pantry.
Perfect weeknight dinner: Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s flavorful without being complicated.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a supporting role in building those vibrant Cajun flavors with a tropical twist. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a sprinkle of veggies makes the dish hearty but fresh. Let me walk you through my favorite parts of each ingredient and why they really shine.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with reddish-brown Cajun seasoning powder, two tablespoons of butter neatly placed as a small slab, a small white bowl of glossy honey, two ripe mangoes diced into vibrant yellow-orange cubes in a white bowl, a handful of fresh green cilantro leaves, one celery stalk thinly sliced, one diced red bell pepper, a small heap of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl of uncooked long grain white rice, a small white bowl with golden chicken broth, all arranged symmetrically and naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts or thighs: I often use thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well too—you just want them evenly cut to cook through.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a mild fruitiness.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show here—smoky, spicy, and earthy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
Honey: Balances the heat, giving it a subtle sweet glaze you don’t want to skip.
Mangoes: Totally optional but I love how the juicy, sweet mango cubes cut through the spice.
Cilantro: Freshness that brightens the whole dish right before serving.
Celery and bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness, giving the rice great texture.
Minced garlic: Because garlic always makes everything better!
Long grain white rice: It cooks up light and fluffy without turning mushy in this one-pot method.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth instead of plain water.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like this recipe for its flexibility. Whether I’m feeling a little more heat or want to lighten it up, you can personalize almost every part to fit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: Once, I swapped out chicken for spicy sausage, which gave it a whole new depth. Just brown the sausage first and proceed with the rice and veggies.
Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and toss in your favorite hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can even add tofu or beans for protein.
Less heat: Reduce the Cajun seasoning by half or go easy on the cayenne—you’ll still get that smoky flavor without the burn.
Extra fresh pop: Try topping with diced avocado instead of mango for a creamy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

A black bowl filled mostly with a layer of orange-red rice mixed with bits of red pepper, covering the bottom and right side. On the top left side, there are small yellow mango cubes and two thin lime slices. On top of the rice, there is a grilled chicken breast sliced into five pieces with a dark brown, slightly charred texture. A fork is lifting one piece of the chicken, showing the white inside. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Love

Start by rubbing the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil—that helps the Cajun seasoning stick perfectly. Give each piece a good coating of seasoning so every bite has that iconic spicy kick. This little prep step makes all the difference, trust me.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium and melt the butter first. Mixing in honey just before adding chicken gives a gentle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when you brown the meat—about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook here because the chicken will finish cooking in the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Once the chicken is resting, toss in the sliced celery, diced bell peppers, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for about a minute until they soften just a bit. If your pan looks dry, a tablespoon of butter comes to the rescue to keep everything flavorful and luscious.

Step 4: Build the Base of Flavor

Stir in the uncooked rice and a sprinkle more of Cajun seasoning, making sure each grain is generously coated. Pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where those flavors really start to marry.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Lower the heat to medium-low, nestle the chicken back on top of the rice, cover the pan, and let everything cook together for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Fluff up the rice lightly with a fork before serving.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tweaks make this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe foolproof and fabulous every time. These tips helped me shape the dish into a reliable go-to for family dinners.

Use fresh seasoning: Cajun seasoning can lose its punch when old, so try to use freshly mixed or a quality brand for max flavor.
Sear the chicken properly: Don’t rush this step — a nice golden crust locks in juices and adds texture.
Don’t lift the lid too often: Keeping the lid on while simmering traps steam and ensures fluffy rice and tender chicken.
Check rice liquid ratio: If your broth is low sodium and your rice seems undercooked near the end, add a splash of water and continue cooking with the lid on.

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped cilantro and a generous spoonful of diced mango—those sweet pockets beautifully balance the Cajun spices. A squeeze of lime juice right before digging in adds just the right zing and brightness.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is pretty complete with protein, starch, and veggies, I like to serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans for crunch and color. Cornbread also pairs nicely if you want something a little more indulgent on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe layered in a baking dish topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly. It turns it into a cozy casserole perfect for guests. Garnish with avocado slices or crispy fried onions for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have mingled. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to fluff the rice back up.

Freezing

This freezes quite well too! I let the cooked dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When I thaw it, I usually warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Pop a lid on to trap steam and keep the chicken moist. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover and watch to avoid drying out the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?

Yes! Brown rice can be used but it will require longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice slightly or increasing the broth by about half a cup. Keep the lid on and check for doneness periodically.

What if I don’t have fresh mango?

No worries! You can skip the mango or replace it with diced pineapple or even a spoonful of preserves like apricot to add sweetness and contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors. Fresh is best, but canned or frozen fruit work in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor will still be rich and delicious without dairy. I often use olive oil to keep it light and still get that beautiful sear on the chicken.

How spicy is this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe?

It has a moderate level of heat suitable for most palates, but if you prefer milder food, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. Adding honey and mango also help tone down the spice without losing flavor. You can always serve with a cooling side like sour cream or yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe has a special place in my weekly rotation because it feels like a celebration of simple ingredients treated with care. It’s quick, satisfying, and comforting but with that lively Cajun spirit I adore. I’m excited for you to try it — it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to cook again and again, just like I do!