This Easy One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is a full meal in one dish! It’s packed with juicy chicken, flavorful sausage, and spices that give it a kick. Yum!
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything in one pan and let it cook. Less mess means more time to enjoy! You’ll be planning this for dinner again in no time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausage: Look for Cajun or smoked chicken sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a different protein, turkey sausage or even diced chicken breast can work well too!
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives a nice texture. I like to keep things simple, but brown rice or even quinoa can be good alternatives if you’re looking for something heartier and more nutritious.
Bell Peppers: The combo of green and red peppers adds freshness and color. If you have other peppers like yellow or orange on hand, feel free to mix them in! You can also skip them entirely if you’re not a fan.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried oregano can mimic the flavors great. Adjust the spice to your taste!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake, or vegetable broth for a meatless version.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Sautéing veggies, particularly onions and garlic, requires some attentiveness but it’s easy! Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat – it allows for even cooking without scorching.
- Add your harder vegetables first. Onions and bell peppers should be sautéed first, for about 5 minutes, until they’re soft.
- Add minced garlic last. It cooks quickly, usually within 1 minute, so be sure to stir it often to prevent burning.
If you see the veggies starting to brown too much, lower the heat and add a splash of broth to bring them back! Perfectly cooked veggies will keep your dish vibrant and flavorful!
Easy One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage, sliced (preferably Cajun or smoked sausage)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have a hearty dish ready to serve, all in just one pan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides—this should take about 5 minutes. After browning, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add your diced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients until they become softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Once they’re soft, add the minced garlic and give it a stir, cooking for another minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the long-grain rice to the sautéed veggies and stir well. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes until the rice looks slightly toasted. This step helps to enhance the flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the drained diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined, then return the browned sausage slices back into the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture.
5. Cook:
Bring the dish to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb all the delicious flavors.
6. Finishing Touches:
After the cooking time, turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time will help ensure perfectly cooked rice. When you’re ready, fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy your flavorful one-pan Cajun chicken sausage and rice!
Bon appétit! Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal that you simply can’t resist!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Cajun or smoked sausage works best for the flavors, you can use turkey sausage, chicken breast, or even a vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice or quinoa are great options! Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and the liquid ratios, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For an extra kick, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes! Start with a small amount and taste-test until you reach your desired spice level.
