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–+ servings

Cajun Chicken and Rice (Easy One Pan Dinner|Gluten Free|Dairy Free)

This easy Cajun chicken and rice recipe comes together in about 30 minutes using frozen diced chicken or rotisserie chicken, Cajun seasoning, and red beans and rice. A quick weeknight meal the whole family will love!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

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
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the brand of rice mix and chicken used.
Keyword dairy free recipes, gluten free recipes
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