Dinner

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe

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 or chicken thighs; 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 recommended); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 mangoes, diced (optional); Handful fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

ByMaya Arden February 21, 2026February 21, 2026

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Introduction

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked rice and a touch of sweetness from honey and mango. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without the hassle.

A black bowl filled mostly with a layer of orange-colored rice mixed with small bits of red and green vegetables, topped with a sliced grilled chicken breast with a dark brown seasoned crust placed slightly off-center, garnished with small yellow mango cubes and two lime slices on one side; a silver fork is inserted into a piece of the sliced chicken near the edge of the bowl, all set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
1 teaspoon olive oil

2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon honey
2 mangoes, diced (optional)

Handful cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon butter (as needed)
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper, diced (red recommended)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Rub olive oil all over the chicken breasts and season evenly with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the honey until combined.
Step 3: Add the chicken to the pan and brown it for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Add the sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute. If there isn’t enough butter or oil in the pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter as needed.

Step 5: Stir in the uncooked rice, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, placing them on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Step 7: Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice topped with diced mango, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and extra flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
If mango isn’t available, try pineapple or avocado slices as a fresh topping.

Make sure to keep the heat low when simmering so the rice cooks evenly without burning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

A black pan holds a dish with two main layers. The bottom layer is a bed of reddish-orange rice mixed with small pieces of red peppers, creating a textured and colorful base. On top, there are four large grilled chicken breasts with a dark char and smoky seasoning, giving them a rich brown color with some blackened spots. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the chicken and rice for a touch of freshness. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some green herb bits scattered around, and part of a glass jar with a red spice and spoon is visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and cooking time accordingly, typically about 40-45 minutes simmering.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the amount or choose a milder seasoning to suit your taste.

Maya Arden