Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table! Our One Pan Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines savory sausage, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one easy-to-clean skillet. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a comforting dish that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver bold flavors without the fuss. Dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering Cajun delight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of sliced chicken sausage, 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 tsp of Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Next, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine the rice with the sausage and vegetables, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow it to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to let the rice finish cooking and to steam.
- Finally, remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chicken sausage. Look for varieties that are seasoned well or have added spices for an extra kick.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even black beans to enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing the sausage and vegetables. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that will elevate your dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Let It Sit: After cooking, letting the dish sit covered for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the rich Cajun spices.
- Leftovers Make Great Lunches: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg