Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe

If you love bold flavors and crave comfort food that comes together in a single pan, you’re in for a treat with this Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice! This one-dish wonder brings together juicy chicken, smoky sausage, veggies, and vibrant Cajun spices for a weeknight meal that’s full of soul and downright deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe how much flavor you can coax out of just a handful of familiar ingredients! Each element in this Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe brings something special—color, texture, smokiness, or punch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Olive oil: Used for browning the meats and softening veggies, olive oil adds a subtle depth and keeps everything from sticking.
• Smoked sausage: Andouille, kielbasa, or bratwurst all work—sausage adds a signature smokiness that infuses the rice.
• Chicken breast: Cubed, boneless, and skinless, chicken soaks up those Cajun spices and makes this meal hearty.
• Salt and pepper: Just enough to wake up all the other flavors without overpowering things.
• Onion: A great base for any skillet meal, onion adds a mellow sweetness when sautéed.
• Bell pepper: Use any color you like! Bell peppers bring color and a gentle crunch.
• Tomato paste: Adds a rich, umami note that hugs the rice and ties the flavors together.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings fragrant warmth you’ll notice in every bite.
• Rice: Medium or long grain is perfect—absorbs all the delicious juices without getting mushy.
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes: This fragrant blend gives the dish its Cajun soul and just the right kick.
• Fire roasted tomatoes: Smoky and slightly sweet, this canned magic ensures the rice never turns bland.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium preferred, so the flavors don’t get too salty. It brings everything together and cooks the rice to tender perfection.
• Green onion: Sliced for a fresh finish, green onion brightens every serving just before you dig in.

Variations

The beauty of Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is how easy it is to make it uniquely yours! With a couple of swaps or additions, you can tailor this meal to suit your ingredients, dietary needs, or whatever cravings you have tonight.

• Make it Shrimp & Sausage: Add peeled raw shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist—just until pink and tender.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken and sausage for plant-based alternatives or double up on the veggies (think mushrooms or zucchini) and use veggie broth.
• Make it Hotter or Milder: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes (or toss in some cayenne) to match your spice level dreams—or fears!
• Add More Veggies: Toss in okra, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Lay the sliced sausage in a single layer and let it cook, untouched, for about 2 minutes per side until both sides are gorgeously browned and starting to crisp. This step builds a smoky foundation for the whole dish—don’t skip it! Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, add the cubed chicken breast to the now-empty skillet, sprinkling it with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring every so often, just until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through; it’ll finish up in the rice later.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper

Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the pan, then add your diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the veggies for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts looking translucent and the peppers soften slightly. This is where the flavors begin layering beautifully.

Step 4: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste & Toast the Rice

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook for about a minute to develop their flavors. Then sprinkle in the rice and stir everything together, letting the rice toast for 1-2 minutes. This creates a slightly nutty, deeper flavor in the finished dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything & Simmer

Add the chicken and sausage back to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fire roasted tomatoes (with their juices!), and chicken broth. Give it a hearty stir to combine, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Cook & Finish

Let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes, making sure to stir and scrape the bottom every 5 minutes or so to prevent sticking. Once the rice is tender and has soaked up nearly all the flavorful liquid, taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Off the heat, garnish with sliced green onion and serve hot!

How to Serve Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of sliced green onion is classic, adding a burst of freshness and crunch. If you’re feeling extra, squeeze a little lemon over the top or toss on some fresh parsley for color and zing—it really brightens the whole dish!

Side Dishes

This Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is a meal-in-one but loves company: a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed green beans make perfect partners. For extra comfort, serve with warm, crusty bread or a buttery cornbread wedge to soak up every last bit of spiced sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style vibe, or set out the skillet straight at the table for a cozy, family-style meal. Hosting a party? Spoon it into bell pepper “boats” or top with a fried egg for a jazzy brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice cool fully, then pack it in an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—ideal for meal prepping or quick heat-and-eat lunches.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly! Divide into portions and seal tightly in freezer-safe containers. The rice may soften slightly, but the Cajun flavors hold strong. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen them up. Or, microwave covered (again with a splash of liquid) in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a hearty and flavor-packed weeknight star, you just can’t go wrong with Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share a big, generous helping with someone you love—because this meal is meant to bring warmth and smiles all around your table!

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