Description
Craving a bold, one-pan meal bursting with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors? This Spicy Cajun BBQ Chicken & Rice Skillet is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. It combines juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, tangy BBQ-infused sauce—all cooked together in one skillet for maximum flavor.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights since it requires minimal cleanup and comes together in just under an hour. The Cajun seasoning adds a signature Southern kick, while the BBQ sauce balances the heat with its smoky sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, flavor-packed meal step by step!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (hickory-smoked or spicy preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they become soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This helps enhance the flavor and prevent mushy rice.
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Final Touches and Garnishing
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (if using), sliced green onions, and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One-Pan Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg