Cajun Chicken and Rice (Easy One Pan Dinner|Gluten Free|Dairy Free)
Easy Cajun Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with bold flavor and requires minimal effort, this Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
It’s hearty, filling, protein-packed, and comes together in around 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. I love using frozen diced chicken because it saves so much prep time, but leftover rotisserie chicken works just as well when I need dinner on the table even faster.
The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup incredibly easy.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping lunches, or just craving a comforting Southern-inspired meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One skillet means less cleanup
- Budget friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Uses frozen chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken
- Naturally high in protein
- Easily made gluten free by checking the rice mix ingredients
- Family approved
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon spray oil (for greasing the skillet)
- 1 pound frozen diced chicken breast (or about 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 box Mahatma Red Beans and Rice mix (or your favorite red beans and rice mix)
Ingredient Notes
Frozen Diced Chicken
Frozen diced chicken is one of my favorite grocery shortcuts. There’s no thawing required, and it cooks quickly in the skillet.
If you already have cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is another excellent option. Simply stir it in after the rice has cooked to warm everything through.
Cajun Seasoning
The Cajun seasoning adds smoky, spicy flavor without requiring a long ingredient list. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
Mahatma Red Beans and Rice
I typically use Mahatma Red Beans and Rice, but any boxed red beans and rice mix will work. Just prepare it according to the package directions while adding the seasoned chicken.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Rice
Step 1
Lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Add the frozen diced chicken.
Season with:
- Cajun seasoning
- Seasoned salt
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Prepare the packaged red beans and rice according to the package directions, adding it directly to the skillet with the cooked chicken.
If using rotisserie chicken, prepare the rice first, then stir in the shredded chicken during the last few minutes until heated through.
Step 4
Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, fluff everything together and serve hot.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken and Rice
This meal is delicious on its own, but I love serving it with a drizzle of ranch to balance the Cajun spice.
Try it with my:
Both recipes are creamy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with the smoky Cajun seasoning.
You can also serve it alongside:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Simple garden salad
- Garlic bread (gluten free if needed)
Tips for Success
Don’t thaw the frozen chicken first. It cooks beautifully straight from frozen.
Adjust the spice level. Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder version or add extra if your family loves heat.
Rotisserie chicken saves even more time. Since it’s already cooked, simply stir it in near the end.
Don’t overcook the rice. Follow the package instructions for the best texture.
Variations
Add Vegetables
Stir in:
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Celery
- Spinach
- Kale
Make it Creamy
Mix in a little cream cheese or dairy free cream cheese after cooking for a creamy Cajun version.
Add Sausage
Cook sliced smoked sausage with the chicken for an even heartier meal.
Extra Protein
Add an additional chicken breast or a can of drained kidney beans.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
Or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Meal Prep
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep because it reheats well and the flavors continue developing overnight.
Divide into meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster. Simply stir it into the cooked rice until warmed through.
Can I freeze Cajun chicken and rice?
Yes. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to three months.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It can be. Always check the ingredients on your boxed red beans and rice mix and Cajun seasoning to ensure they are certified gluten free if needed.
How spicy is it?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily make it milder or hotter by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning.
More Easy Gluten Free + Dairy Free Dinner Recipes
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out these other family favorites on the blog:
Cajun Chicken and Rice (Easy One Pan Dinner|Gluten Free|Dairy Free)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon spray oil
- 1 pound frozen diced chicken breast or about 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 box Mahatma Red Beans and Rice
- Water and butter or oil as directed on the package
Instructions
If Using Mahatma Ready to Heat Red Beans & Rice (Recommended)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with avocado or olive oil cooking spray.
- Add 1 pound frozen diced chicken (or fresh diced chicken) to the skillet.
- Season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon seasoned salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, heat the Mahatma Ready to Heat Red Beans & Rice pouch according to the package directions (usually about 90 seconds in the microwave).
- Spoon the heated rice into serving bowls.
- Top with the Cajun chicken.
- Drizzle with your favorite homemade ranch dressing or dairy-free ranch dressing and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
If Using a Boxed Red Beans & Rice Mix
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning and seasoned salt. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the boxed red beans and rice according to the package directions. Depending on the brand, you can either:
- Cook it in a separate saucepan while the chicken cooks, or
- Add the rice mix and required liquid directly to the skillet with the cooked chicken if your skillet is large enough.
- Simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- If using rotisserie chicken, prepare the rice first, then stir in the shredded chicken during the last 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve with a drizzle of Homemade Ranch Dressing (https://pinchofglutenfree.com/gluten-free-ranch-dressing/) or Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing (https://pinchofglutenfree.com/the-best-homemade-dairy-free-ranch-dressing-recipe/), fresh parsley, and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Rotisserie chicken is perfect for an even quicker meal—just warm it through after the rice is cooked.
- The Mahatma microwavable pouch is my favorite option because it’s ready in 90 seconds and eliminates the wait for boxed rice to cook.
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite Cajun hot sauce.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free when using gluten-free Cajun seasoning and a gluten-free rice product. Always check ingredient labels, as boxed rice mixes can vary by brand.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
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