Fast Cajun Hen and Rice. When weeknights get busy, I all the time make a colourful skillet dinner that virtually cooks itself. That is that meal. This one-skillet rooster and rice brings smoky Cajun spice, candy peppers, and herb butter collectively in a single pan. I wish to toast the rice first for that nutty, pilaf-style taste and texture, then end it with butter and recent herbs. It’s easy, comforting, and all the time a household favourite.

I’ve all the time cherished an excellent skillet dinner. However when life will get actually busy and everyone seems to be just a little drained, particularly after journey, that’s after I depend on recipes like this probably the most.

It’s no shock that everybody cherished this. It has all of the flavors my household enjoys most. Add rice to something they usually’re offered in seconds, so I knew this could be successful.

Making this jogged my memory a lot of how my dad used to cook dinner after I was rising up. He would open the fridge, see what we had, and simply begin cooking. A bit of of this, just a little of that — and by some means it all the time labored.

That’s precisely how this recipe got here collectively. I solely had just a few issues readily available, so I made them work. Identical to my dad all the time did.

These are the main points

Substances

• salted butter
• rooster breast
• cajun seasoning
• creole seasoning
• recent thyme leaves
• yellow onion
• dry white rice
• dry wild rice
• pink or orange bell peppers
• diced tomatoes
• soy sauce
• recent chopped parsley
• recent chopped cilantro

The Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Skillet

Begin by grabbing your favourite massive, oven-safe skillet — this can be a true one-pan scenario, and we love that. I normally use a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven. You need one thing huge sufficient in order that all the things cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare dinner the Hen

Add the rooster to the skillet and toss with butter, Cajun seasoning, and Creole seasoning so all the things will get coated and comfortable. Prepare dinner over medium-high warmth, letting the spices toast and the butter assist create that beautiful golden crust. Don’t rush this step — these 3 to five minutes construct a lot taste.

As soon as the rooster is golden, add just a little extra butter, then stir within the onions and peppers. Allow them to soften and get barely caramelized. That contact of sweetness balances the spice completely. Switch all the things to a plate for now.

Step 3: Begin the Rice

In the identical skillet — don’t wipe it out so that each one that taste stays — add the thyme and each rices. Toasting the rice for a minute is my favourite little trick. It provides a delicate, nutty taste that makes the entire dish really feel additional particular.

Pour within the broth (or water if that’s what you will have), season with salt and pepper, and stir within the tomatoes. Carry all the things to a boil and let it do its factor.

As soon as it’s effervescent, cowl the skillet and switch the warmth down low. You need a light simmer right here. Let the rice take up many of the liquid, about 10 minutes. Your kitchen will scent superb.

Step 4: Add the Hen Again

When the rice is tender, stir the rooster and peppers again into the skillet together with a splash of soy sauce. That little hit of savory saltiness ties all the things collectively in the easiest way.

End with a lot of recent herbs. I really like a mixture of parsley and cilantro for a brilliant, recent pop that makes the entire skillet really feel vibrant and colourful.

Step 5: Serve

Serve it straight from the pan on the desk. Use an enormous spoon, for no fuss. It’s cozy, just a little spicy, and precisely the form of straightforward dinner that feels such as you tried more durable than you probably did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan with minimal cleanup

• Pantry staples paired with recent herbs and lemon

• Toasted rice with pilaf-style texture and taste

• Herby butter that provides it a restaurant-style end

Key Substances + Notes

Hen
Hen thighs keep juicier, however rooster breasts work too. If utilizing breasts, you’ll want to sear them nicely first for the most effective texture.

Cajun Seasoning
Examine the salt stage in your seasoning. If it’s additional salty, use low-sodium broth and alter seasoning on the finish.

Rice
I exploit long-grain white rice (like jasmine) plus wild rice for texture and taste.

On the lookout for different skillet dinners? Listed below are my favorites: 

One Skillet White Hen Chili Bake

Lemon Butter Dijon Hen and Orzo with Feta Sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Hen and Rice Casserole

Lastly, when you make this Fast Cajun Hen and Rice, you’ll want to go away a remark and/or give this recipe a score! Above all, I really like listening to from you guys and all the time do my finest to answer each remark. And naturally, when you do make this recipe, don’t neglect to tag me on Instagram! Wanting via the images of recipes you all have made is my favourite!

This publish was initially printed on February 23, 2026