This Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is a delicious, one-pan wonder bursting with smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and bold Cajun spices—all tied together over tender, fluffy rice. It’s hearty, colorful, and comes together in under an hour, making it the kind of meal you’ll crave on busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Cajun Flavor: Each bite is loaded with the smoky, spicy depth you love in a classic Cajun dish, without any fuss.
- One-Pan Clean Up: Everything cooks together in one skillet, so you get a flavor-packed dinner and hardly any dishes to wash!
- Satisfying and Hearty: With chicken, sausage, and plenty of veggies, this meal will fill you up and keep you energized.
- Perfect for Every Night: Simple prep and adaptable ingredients mean you can whip this up for company or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love when simple ingredients come together to make a dish utterly unforgettable? Every element in Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice plays a role—smoked sausage adds depth, fresh chicken brings tenderness, and veggies and spices provide radiance and robust taste. Here’s what you’ll need, and how each one elevates this southern star:
- Olive oil: Gets everything sizzling and adds a lovely richness to your skillet base.
- Smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa): Gives the dish savory, smoky flavor and hearty bites.
- Chicken breast (skinless, boneless, cubed): Offers lean protein and soaks up Cajun spices perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that pull flavors together from the very start.
- Onion (diced): Provides sweetness and, along with bell pepper, builds the “holy trinity” base of Cajun cuisine.
- Bell pepper (any color, diced): Adds crunch, brightness, and color to every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with umami richness and a touch of tanginess.
- Garlic (minced): For a pop of deep, aromatic flavor that you can smell a mile away.
- Rice (medium or long grain): Soaks up all those spicy, savory juices—use what you love, just not instant rice!
- Smoked paprika: Echoes the sausage’s smokiness while adding beautiful color.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: For an easy way to intensify savory flavors throughout the skillet.
- Italian seasoning: A subtle herbal note that lifts every spoonful.
- Red pepper flakes: Bumps up the heat to your personal preference—skip or double up!
- Fire roasted tomatoes (14 oz can): Add smoky-sweet depth and a touch of acidity.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): The liquid that steams the rice and brings all the flavors together.
- Green onion (sliced): The fresh, finishing flourish that wakes up the whole dish!
Variations
One of the best things about Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is how easily you can riff on it—mixing and matching to suit your cravings, what’s in your fridge, or anyone’s dietary needs. Here are a few favorite ways to get creative:
- Shrimp Lover’s Version: Toss in peeled raw shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a classic Cajun trio.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage and chicken for hearty roasted mushrooms and your favorite plant-based sausage.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last few minutes for bonus nutrition and color.
- Low-Carb Option: Use riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice (reduce cooking liquid and time).
How to Make Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the sausage slices in a single layer and let them sizzle for about two minutes per side—you want that gorgeous, golden-brown color and irresistible smoky aroma. Set the sausage aside once it’s beautifully caramelized.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the hot skillet, seasoning immediately with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 4-5 minutes until all sides are browned—the chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet, it’ll finish simmering later. This quick sear locks in flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if your pan looks a bit dry, and toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the onion softens and everything is fragrant—this forms the backbone of authentic Cajun flavor!
Step 4: Toast the Rice with Aromatics
Stir the garlic and tomato paste into the veggie mixture and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about one minute. Add the rice and mix everything together thoroughly—let it toast for 1-2 minutes to pick up the savory flavors and deepen its nutty aroma.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Spices
Return the browned sausage and chicken to the skillet, then sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir until everything is happily combined and the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the skillet up to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover. Let it cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom every five minutes. When the rice is tender and the flavors are deep and unified, taste and adjust for salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished dish with plenty of green onion for a fresh crunch. Serve hot, and get ready for major comfort food satisfaction!
Pro Tips for Making Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice
- Sauté for Maximum Flavor: Take the time to properly brown both your sausage and chicken. The golden crust adds irresistible depth to the finished dish.
- Rice Texture Matters: Use medium or long-grain rice for the best bite—short-grain or instant rice can get mushy and lose that lovely separate texture.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir every 5 minutes as it simmers so nothing sticks, and the rice cooks evenly in the flavorful broth.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking—taste as you go, and remember, a little goes a long way!
How to Serve Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice
Garnishes
Garnish brings the whole meal to life! I love finishing Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice with a generous handful of sliced green onions for fresh bite and color. For an extra southern touch, try a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish is a stand-alone superstar, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, crusty French bread, or even some roasted okra. Cornbread is also a classic and helps soak up every drop of that spicy tomato broth!
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, bring the sizzling skillet right to the table and let everyone scoop their own portion. Hosting friends? Serve Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice in individual bowls topped with a swirl of hot sauce and herby greens, or use mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container as soon as they cool, and refrigerate. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so leftover Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice makes a truly stellar lunch the next day—just as hearty and delicious!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeeze out any extra air, and label with the date. For best results, enjoy within 2 months—just know that rice will lose a touch of its original texture after freezing.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also use the microwave; just cover loosely and warm in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything juicy and prevent the rice from drying out.
FAQs
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What’s the best sausage for Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice?
Andouille sausage is the classic choice for Cajun recipes, but kielbasa, bratwurst, or even chorizo work well—just go for a smoked, fully cooked sausage for best flavor and a hearty texture.
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Can I use brown rice or another grain?
Yes! Brown rice can be used, but you’ll need to add extra liquid and increase the simmer time, as it takes longer to cook. Quinoa or farro are fun swaps, though they each add their own flavor twist.
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Is Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice spicy?
The level of heat is up to you! The red pepper flakes add spice, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder dish, or add more for extra kick. Cajun flavor doesn’t always mean “hot.”
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely! As written, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and easily gluten-free as long as you double check the sausage and broth labels to ensure no sneaky gluten ingredients are hiding.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about a skillet dinner that brings everyone to the table—especially when it’s as flavorful and comforting as Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice. Whether it’s your first try or a new twist on an old favorite, I hope this recipe finds a regular place in your meal rotation. Give it a try and make it your own—you’re going to love every spicy, savory bite!
Print
Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken and smoked sausage with aromatic veggies and spices, all cooked together with rice for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the dish:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 14 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
For garnish:
- Green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage slices for 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté veggies: Add remaining olive oil, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Return sausage and chicken to the skillet. Add spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
- Various types of smoked sausages like andouille, kielbasa, bratwurst, or chorizo can be used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
