One Pot Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice
This one pot Cajun chicken sausage and rice delivers big flavor with very little effort! Smoky chicken sausage, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning come together in a single skillet to create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Best of all, everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup just as easy as dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Packed with smoky, savory Cajun flavor.
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Ready in about 40 minutes.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- A complete meal with protein, rice, and vegetables all in one skillet.
Ingredients & Process Overview
You’ll need cooked rice, chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, and a handful of green onions for garnish. The chicken sausage adds plenty of smoky flavor, and the tomatoes and Cajun seasoning give the dish its signature kick.
The sausage is first browned to build flavor before the vegetables are softened in the same pan. Everything is then combined with the rice, tomatoes, and seasonings and simmered together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. A sprinkle of fresh green onions at the end adds a pop of color and freshness, making this easy one-pot dinner feel complete! Super simple, no fuss.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Chicken sausage: Pre-cooked chicken sausages work best for this recipe. You can use any flavor you like, including Cajun, smoked, roasted garlic, or Italian-style chicken sausage.
- Adjust the spice level: Cajun seasoning adds plenty of flavor and a little heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount or use a mild Cajun blend.
- Rice options: Long-grain white rice works best, but cooked brown rice can be substituted if preferred.
- Add more vegetables: Diced zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or celery are great additions if you’d like to make the dish even heartier.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Brown the sausage well: Taking a few extra minutes to brown the sausage adds extra flavor to the finished dish.
- Use freshly cooked or leftover rice: Both work well, making this a great recipe for using up leftover rice from earlier in the week.
- Taste before serving: Cajun seasonings can vary quite a bit in saltiness and spice level, so adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Storage & Freezing
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop until heated through.
- This recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If the rice seems a little dry after storing or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to help bring it back to life.
Serving Ideas
This one is a complete meal on its own, with protein, rice, and vegetables all in one skillet. If you’d like to round it out, just add a green salad or some crusty bread.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Sausage & Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cooked chicken sausages sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5 minutes, or until browned on each side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens.
- Add the sausage, and the rest of the ingredients (except the green onions). Stir well to coat the rice with the seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot.
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