Name: Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs); 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for chicken); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon butter (as needed for sautéing); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for rice); 2 mangoes, diced (optional); Handful cilantro, chopped; 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced (red preferred); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

There’s something about the way spices mingle with tender chicken and fluffy rice that just hits differently. This Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe delivers that comforting, bold flavor without hours in the kitchen, making it a go-to when you want something satisfying and quick.

A white plate with cooked seasoned rice spread on the right side showing light brown and slightly orange grains mixed with small red pepper bits; on the left sits a sliced piece of dark brown grilled chicken with visible grill marks and a textured crust. The chicken is cut into several thick slices showing white inner meat. Near the upper left edge of the plate are small yellow diced mango pieces and a lime wedge garnished with chopped green herbs. A silver fork rests on the bottom left edge of the plate, partially on the rice, with a woman's hand holding it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. It’s just the right amount of spicy, sweet, and savory — all in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze too!

One-Pan Wonder: You only need a single skillet to make this entire meal, saving time and dishes.
Flavorful and Balanced: The Cajun spices bring warmth and depth, while mango adds a fresh, sweet contrast.
Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, it takes about 35 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken thighs or tweaks like more veggies, it’s easy to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because the ingredients complement each other beautifully. The Cajun seasoning flavors the chicken and rice, the mangoes bring freshness and a hint of sweetness, and simple pantry staples round out the stew-like skillet meal.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light sheen of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of orange-red Cajun seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy yellow butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, two ripe mangoes diced into small cubes, a handful of fresh bright green cilantro sprigs, one celery stalk thinly sliced into pale green pieces, one diced red bell pepper with vibrant red cubes, one small white ceramic bowl with finely minced white garlic, one small white ceramic bowl containing uncooked long grain white rice, one small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Thighs tend to be more forgiving and juicy, but breasts work perfectly and keep things lean.
Olive oil: Helps the Cajun seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a subtle fruity base.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show for depth, spice, and aroma — homemade or store-bought works great.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables to softness without losing moisture.
Honey: Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Mangoes (optional): Adds a juicy, tropical brightness that cuts through the spices beautifully.
Cilantro: Freshens each bite with a lively herbaceous kick that pairs especially well with the Cajun spices.
Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and an aromatic base when sautéed.
Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color; red peppers are my favorite for their natural vibrancy.
Minced garlic: Infuses a warm, pungent base note that enhances everything.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those beautiful flavors and stays fluffy when cooked right.
Chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and savory without overpowering the spice profile.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to fit different moods or diets. I often switch up the veggies or swap chicken breasts for thighs depending on what I have on hand.

Variation: When I want more veggies, I toss in sliced zucchini or some corn kernels along with the bell peppers, and it adds lovely sweetness and texture.
Make it spicy: If you’re craving more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy Cajun seasoning — just watch the heat level carefully!
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
Simplify: Feel free to skip the mango topping if you can’t find fresh ones — a squeeze of lime and fresh herbs still brighten up the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

A black bowl holds a dish with two main layers; the bottom layer is a bed of orange-red seasoned rice mixed with small bits of red peppers, covering most of the bowl. On top, sliced grilled chicken with a dark brown, slightly charred surface is neatly placed in the center, revealing juicy white meat inside. On one side of the chicken, there are small diced yellow mango pieces, and two thin lime slices rest on top of the chicken. A silver fork and spoon are placed in the bowl, with the fork slightly lifting some chicken and rice. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herb sprinkles around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken Just Right

I start by rubbing the chicken breasts all over with olive oil — this helps the Cajun spice mix stick perfectly. Then, I sprinkle the seasoning evenly on all sides. This simple step locks in flavor before the chicken even hits the pan.

Step 2: Browning the Chicken with Honey Butter Glaze

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in honey just as it melts. This sweet-butter combo caramelizes the chicken beautifully, so I sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden. Don’t worry about cooking through here — just get that lovely crust, then set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Building the Flavor Base with Veggies

Next, I sauté the celery, bell peppers, and garlic in the same pan. There’s usually enough butter left behind from the chicken to saute these, but if it looks dry, I add a tablespoon more. Just a minute or so softens them and lets those aromatics build the base flavor.

Step 4: Combining Rice and Broth to Simmer

Then I stir in the uncooked rice and a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for a second layer of spice. Pouring in the chicken broth and bringing it all to a boil preps the rice to soak up that heat and seasoning perfectly.

Step 5: Simmering to Perfection

I reduce the heat to medium-low and nestle the chicken back into the pan, laying it right on top of the rice. Covering the skillet lets everything steam together for about 15-20 minutes. At this stage, the rice becomes tender, and the chicken finishes cooking through without drying out.

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

Once done, I fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve everything with a scoop of fresh diced mangoes and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side is the perfect finishing touch for squeezing over, brightening each bite.

Top Tip

Having made this Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe many times, a few tips really helped me nail the texture and flavor you’ll love every time.

Don’t skip the honey butter sear: It creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that elevates the whole dish's depth.
Use medium-low heat for simmering: Cooking the rice and chicken gently prevents the rice from turning mushy and the chicken from drying out.
Fluff the rice carefully: Use a fork, not a spoon, to keep the grains separate and airy after cooking.
Watch your liquids: If your broth evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water to ensure the rice cooks through without sticking.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh brightness, so I always top mine with chopped cilantro and a generous spoonful of diced mango. A lime wedge is non-negotiable — the tangy squeeze wakes up the flavors and adds a lovely zing.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty hearty on its own, so I usually keep sides simple — a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement it well without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try plating the chicken over a neat bed of rice, draping mango and cilantro artfully on top. I’ve also served it in pretty cast iron skillets straight out of the oven, which makes for a cozy, rustic presentation that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps wonderfully for 3-4 days, making for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked skillet leftovers in portions before, tightly wrapped and stored in freezer bags. It thaws nicely in the fridge overnight without losing much of the juicy texture or spicy flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covering it so the rice steams gently. This keeps the chicken tender and revives the fluffy texture of the rice without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually stay juicier during cooking and add richer flavor, but breasts are great too if you want leaner meat.

Do I have to add mango to the dish?

No, mangoes are an optional topping that add sweetness and freshness, but you can skip them or substitute with pineapple, avocado, or just lime and cilantro.

How spicy is this Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe?

It’s mildly spicy by default, thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more seasoning or cayenne, or dialing it back for a gentler flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth don’t contain gluten ingredients. Always check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its blend of bold flavors and ease. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Give it a try—it might just become your next weeknight favorite!