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!
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