Name: One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice is your new go-to. It’s smoky, hearty, and loaded with juicy chunks of chicken, spicy andouille, sweet peppers, and fluffy rice, all infused with the lively tang of Cajun spices. Not only does this recipe offer serious comfort in a bowl, but cleanup is a breeze since everything comes together in one pan—leaving you more time to savor each forkful.

One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is short, sweet, and incredibly approachable, yet each piece brings its own magic. Every element is chosen to add something special, whether it’s depth, color, spice, or heartiness—so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor, thighs are less likely to dry out than breast meat.
Andouille Sausage: The smoky, spicy star of the show; this classic Cajun sausage brings heat and a crave-worthy texture.
Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy, separate grains soak up every bit of flavor, making every spoonful delicious.
Chicken Broth: Adds rich depth and perfectly cooks the rice while infusing it with flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: A zesty blend of herbs and spices that gives this dish its signature bold kick.
Smoked Paprika: Sweet and smoky, it rounds out the spice and adds gorgeous color.
Onion: Brings mellow sweetness and a touch of savoriness to the base.
Bell Pepper: Adds brightness, crunch, and a burst of vibrant color.
Garlic: Essential for fragrant depth and robust background flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps everything get golden and brings its own subtle flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Elevates all the savory notes and lets you season to taste.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of freshness and cheerful green on top.

How to Make One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice

Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and the sliced andouille sausage. Cooking them together lets the sausage render its smoky, spicy oils right into the pan, flavoring the chicken beautifully. Let the pieces get golden and delicious—about 5 to 7 minutes—then use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside. The browning step is what starts building real flavor from the very first moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty browned bits), add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re softened and lightly translucent. That aroma is your sign you’re on the right track! Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute, infusing the veggies with its irresistible fragrance and savory bite.

Step 3: Add Rice and Spices

Next, pour in your rinsed long-grain white rice—don’t skip giving it a rinse, as it helps achieve a light, fluffy texture. Immediately sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with those bold spices, tinting the grains with pops of red and orange. This step is key to ensuring every bite of your One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cook

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan to release even more flavor. Return the browned chicken and sausage to the skillet, tucking them into the rice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has absorbed the spiced broth. Try to avoid lifting the lid for curiosity’s sake—letting the steam build up gives you the fluffiest results.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork to let some steam escape and separate the grains. If you like, sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley for color and a little herbal freshness. Dish out the One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice straight from the skillet and serve hot. Have a little bowl of extra Cajun seasoning at the table for spice lovers—you’ll be amazed at how fast it disappears!

How to Serve One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley gives this vibrant dish a final pop of green, making it look as enticing as it tastes. If you like extra zest, you can also serve with a few lemon wedges for a bright squeeze right before digging in. And for those who can’t get enough heat, an extra shake of Cajun seasoning or a drizzle of hot sauce takes things to a new level.

Side Dishes

Honestly, One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, crisp steamed green beans, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up those flavorful juices. For a Southern twist, serve it with corn on the cob or a cool, creamy slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving your One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice in colorful bowls or right out of the skillet family-style at the table—so everyone can scoop their own generous portion. Leftovers make fantastic on-the-go lunches—pack them into meal-prep containers, or wrap the rice filling into a warm tortilla for a Cajun-inspired burrito!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice leftovers into an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or easy weeknight meal prep. The flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers are never boring!

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to two months. Simply portion the cooled rice, chicken, and sausage into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the packets flat in your freezer for easy stacking and efficient space usage. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again—the spices actually meld wonderfully after some time in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to restore moisture, then microwave covered for 1-2 minutes or until hot. For a stovetop option, add a splash of chicken broth to a skillet, cover, and heat over medium-low while stirring occasionally. This gentle method helps keep the rice fluffy and the chicken succulent.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works if you prefer a leaner cut. Just make sure not to overcook breast pieces during the browning step, as they are more prone to drying out compared to thighs.

Is it possible to make One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice less spicy?

Definitely! You can use a mild andouille sausage, reduce the Cajun seasoning, or leave out the extra smoked paprika if you’re cooking for a sensitive palate. A bit of extra bell pepper also helps balance the heat.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get mushy. However, if you want to experiment, try jasmine rice for extra fragrance—just note you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! You can toss in corn, peas, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach during the cooking process to add more color and nutrition. Just make sure not to overload the pan, or you may need to increase the broth a bit.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a meatless version of One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice, replace the chicken with cubes of roasted tofu or hearty mushrooms, and use a vegetarian sausage and vegetable broth. You still get all that bold Cajun flavor in every bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s big on flavor and small on cleanup, you truly can’t go wrong with One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a forever favorite in my kitchen. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun spices cooked with rice in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

Instructions

Brown the Chicken and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken and sausage until browned. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Rice and Spices: Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until rice is coated.
Add Broth and Cook: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then return chicken and sausage to the pan. Cover and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Cajun