This Cajun Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! You can switch up the veggies or proteins to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, it’s versatile and perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this Cajun Rice masterpiece. These ingredients are straightforward, and I bet you have most of them already in your pantry. If not, no worries, here’s a little breakdown for you:
1/3 cup unsalted butter: The base of the dish. It adds a rich, creamy flavor. You can substitute with olive oil if you’re looking to keep things dairy-free.
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Adds sweetness and color. Use any color of bell pepper you have handy!
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced: More crunch and flavor! Again, any color will do.
1/2 yellow onion, diced: The aromatics that make your kitchen smell heavenly! You can swap it for a shallot if that’s what you have.
3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This really deepens the flavors. You could also use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt: Essential for flavor, but adjust to taste depending on your broth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: I mean, who doesn’t love garlic? Fresh minced garlic works great too; just adjust the quantity to your taste.
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme: This herb adds warmth, but you could mix it up with whatever dried herbs you love!
1 teaspoon ground paprika: A must for that classic Cajun flavor! Consider smoked paprika for an extra kick.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Because a couple pinches of pepper go a long way!
1 bay leaf: Just one leaf, but trust me, it’s magical. Remember to take it out before serving!
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice: The backbone of this dish. Make sure you use long-grain for the best texture!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to dive into this Cajun Rice recipe? Here’s how I make it:
Melt the Butter: Grab a medium-sized saucepan and add the butter over medium-high heat. You’ll want it to melt smoothly, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Sauté the Veggies: Once the butter is melted and fragrant, toss in the diced bell peppers and onion. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and everything is beautifully softened.
Add the Broth and Spices: Next, pour in the chicken broth, then add the salt, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, pepper, and the bay leaf. Bring it all to a boil, and oh my, the aromas are already amazing!
Add the Rice: Once boiling, throw in the rice, give it a good stir, and then cover the saucepan with a lid. Reduce the heat just enough to maintain a simmer. You want it to cook gently!
Simmer Away: Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The rice should soak up all that flavorful broth. Don’t be tempted to lift the lid too often; let it do its thing!
Fluff and Enjoy: After the rice is tender, turn off the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes, still covered. After that, remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and you’re ready to dish it up!
Why I Absolutely Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something warm and comforting, but in a snap! It’s honestly one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, and my kids (even the picky one) always ask for seconds. I really appreciate how flexible it is, you can literally use whatever you’ve got on hand. Bonus points for using leftover chicken or shrimp too! The best part is that it’s the kind of recipe where you can just toss in whatever you have and it always turns out delish. I’m a real sucker for comfort food that’s quick and easy!
If you loved this Cajun Rice, be sure to check out my Turmeric Rice, my Crispy Rice Bites, or my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This Cajun Rice comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you don’t have the energy to whip up an elaborate meal.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot. Seriously, who wants to do dishes after a long day? Not me!
Budget-Friendly
This dish uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Everything is likely hanging out in your pantry waiting to be turned into something delicious!
Crowd-Pleaser
I can’t stress enough how much the whole family will love this dish. It’s comforting, fulfilling, and packed with tons of flavors!
Customizable
Feel free to use whatever ingredients you have. Got some leftover vegetables? Toss them in! Don’t have rice? Use quinoa. It’s all about what you’ve got on hand!
Serving Uses & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Cajun Rice
Serve it as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken, seared fish, or a fresh green salad. You can also make it a main dish by adding a protein like shrimp, chicken, or even sausage!
Storage
If you have leftovers, don’t fret! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or heat it in a pan on medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned!
Cooking this Cajun Rice is not just about making a meal; it’s about gathering family together and enjoying the simple things in life. Food should bring warmth and comfort, and this dish does just that. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!
Happy cooking, my friend! Don’t forget, next time you make this, I’d love to hear about your variations or experiences. How did your family like it? What did you add? Let’s keep sharing that kitchen love! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Cajun Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Cajun Rice comes together in about 30 minutes in one pot for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Versatile and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat until smooth.
- Add the diced bell peppers and onion, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add salt, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Add the rice, stir, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
- Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice has absorbed the broth.
- After the rice is tender, turn off heat, let it rest covered for 10 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Notes
Feel free to customize with leftover vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
