Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe

Let me tell you about this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe that quickly became one of my all-time favorites. It’s the perfect weeknight winner because it’s one of those meals where everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to relax. The rich, buttery garlic flavor combined with that authentic Cajun spice? Wow, it’s just insanely comforting and packed with flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how versatile and forgiving it is—you can easily swap chicken thighs or breasts based on what you have, and still get that tender, juicy result. It’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family or having friends over. Trust me, you’ll find that this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe becomes your go-to dinner when you want something hearty without a long prep time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a cozy, flavorful meal that feels special without being complicated. I often keep most of these staples on hand, so it’s a snap to pull this together on busy nights.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Avocado oil or any cooking oil: I love avocado oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil or vegetable oil works fine too.
• Salted butter: The butter adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic sauce.
• Red and green bell peppers: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
• Yellow onion: Provides a naturally savory base to the dish’s flavor profile.
• Jalapeno (optional): If you like extra heat, this little addition makes a big difference.
• Garlic cloves: The star of the show—fresh minced garlic lends irresistible aroma and depth.
• Tomato paste: This thickens the sauce slightly and adds umami that boosts the whole dish.
• Jasmine rice or any long grain rice: Jasmine gives a delicate fragrance, but any long grain rice will soak up the flavors beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water adds savory notes and keeps the rice extra tender.
• Cajun seasoning blend: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, your favorite Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper makes the seasoning bold and balanced.

Variations

I love making this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe my own by tweaking it here and there. Feel free to swap veggies, dial the spice up or down, or even swap rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.

• Spicy Kick: Adding extra jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper made my last batch surprisingly addictive—perfect for spice lovers.
• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in chopped okra or mushrooms alongside the bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Version: I’ve swapped the rice for cauliflower rice and reduced the broth to keep it moist—still delicious, just a bit lighter.
• Protein Swap: Turkey or pork could easily replace chicken here if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs or breasts. Season both sides generously with around three-quarters of your Cajun seasoning blend—you want it well coated but not overwhelming. This sets the foundation for all the flavor you’ll build.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your oil and about half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook it fully through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer here to avoid overcooking. When done, remove it, let it rest on a cutting board, then slice into pieces once cool—cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Garlic

Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then toss in diced red and green bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno if using. Cook these down gently for about 10 minutes until soft. Then stir in your minced garlic and cook for about a minute longer—be careful not to burn it; you want it fragrant and flavorful.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Base

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the tomato paste. Mixing this well helps everything meld and gives the rice a richer color and flavor. Now, add your washed jasmine rice and toast it around the pan for a few minutes, stirring often. This step adds a subtle nuttiness that really enhances the dish.

Step 5: Simmer the Rice and Chicken Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and sprinkle the rest of the Cajun seasoning blend over the top. Give everything a good stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end and check that the rice is tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, gently fluff it with a fork and nestle your sliced chicken back into the skillet so it warms through. Then it’s ready to serve – and believe me, that garlicky, buttery, spicy aroma will have everyone rushing to the table.

How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of freshness and color. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors nicely, and for an extra touch, I grate a bit of sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for balance. Crispy air-fried okra or garlic bread also make fantastic complements if you want to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe in a large cast-iron skillet right at the table—the rustic presentation always earns compliments. Adding a few extra colorful bell pepper slices and a garnish of microgreens uplifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The rice soaks up some of the sauce overnight, making it even more flavorful the next day—just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

If I have extras, I portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze. This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe freezes surprisingly well, making it ideal for meal prep. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to refresh the moisture. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—cover the dish to keep things from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (One-Pot) Recipe turns out every time—it’s my secret weapon for busy nights when I want dinner that feels homemade but is effortless. Whether you’re new to Cajun spices or a seasoned fan, this recipe’s rich garlic butter sauce and tender chicken will win you over. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation just like it did for me.

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