If you’re craving bold southern flavors in a cozy, one-pot dish, look no further than this flavorful Cajun Rice! Each spoonful is savory, aromatic, and just a little bit sassy—making it a staple you’ll want on your weeknight dinner table or at your next family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
- Vibrant Flavor: The classic Cajun combination of bell peppers, onion, and spices transforms simple rice into something truly special.
- Family Friendly: It’s just the right amount of warmth—not overly spicy—making it perfect for everyone at the table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it on its own or alongside your favorite mains, Cajun Rice always brings a splash of southern soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cajun Rice is how every ingredient truly matters—each one brings a burst of color, aroma, or savory punch. Here’s what makes this simple recipe taste downright irresistible, one spoonful at a time.
- Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup): Creates a rich base and helps those vegetables get deliciously soft and flavorful without overpowering the finished dish.
- Red and Green Bell Pepper (1/2 each, seeded and diced): The classic Cajun duo! They add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Yellow Onion (1/2, diced): Rounds out the veggies and gives the rice a mellow, savory background note.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 ¼ cups): Infuses the rice with tons of flavor while keeping everything moist and fluffy.
- Kosher Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons): Just the right amount to balance all the savory flavors.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable garlicky depth that’s essential in Cajun cooking.
- Ground Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A subtly earthy aroma that gives the rice an “I can’t quite place it, but it’s amazing” complexity.
- Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and gorgeous color—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming spice.
- Bay Leaf (1): Quietly infuses the rice with a subtle, herbal note as it cooks.
- Long-Grain White Rice (1 ½ cups): The star of the show—long grain gives the best fluffy texture that soaks up every bit of Cajun goodness.
Variations
This classic Cajun Rice recipe is wonderfully versatile, meaning you can tweak it to suit your mood, what’s hanging out in your fridge, or your own dietary needs! Here are some fun, easy ways to make it entirely your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for some extra southern heat.
- Veggie Packed: Stir in diced celery or chopped tomatoes for extra freshness, flavor, and color.
- Meaty Upgrade: Toss in sliced smoked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked shrimp to turn this side into a main dish.
- Vegan Friendly: Use olive oil and vegetable broth instead of butter and chicken broth—delicious and totally plant-based!
How to Make Cajun Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies in Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion, stirring to coat them in that golden, bubbling butter. As you sauté, the kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma—let the veggies soften for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep things moving and to prevent any browning.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken broth, then season with kosher salt, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the whole pot to a lively boil. This is where those flavors really start working their magic and the base of your Cajun Rice comes alive.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Simmer
Once the broth is bubbling, add the long-grain white rice and give it a gentle stir, making sure every grain is surrounded by flavorful liquid. Pop a lid on the saucepan and lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it cook gently for 20–25 minutes—no peeking! This is when the rice gets tender and perfectly infused with that southern spice blend.
Step 4: Fluff, Rest, and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, take the pan off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This quick nap makes the grains set beautifully. Remove the bay leaf, then fluff the Cajun Rice with a fork so every bite is light and irresistible—and now it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Rice
- Butter Temperature Matters: Melt the butter gently and add the veggies as soon as it’s mostly melted—this keeps the butter from browning, so your rice stays creamy and rich.
- Let the Rice Rest: It’s tempting to dig in but don’t skip the resting step! It ensures your grains are tender, fluffy, and never mushy.
- Flavor Upgrade: For extra depth, try swapping half the paprika for smoked paprika or adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or chopped green onions) at the end.
- Choose the Right Rice: Stick with long-grain white rice—it holds its texture best and soaks up all those signature Cajun flavors without becoming sticky.
How to Serve Cajun Rice
Garnishes
Cajun Rice is extra tempting with a shower of sliced green onions or a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. For a bistro touch, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes on top—these simple garnishes make the flavors (and colors!) pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, blackened fish, or juicy shrimp skewers. For a southern feast, serve alongside sautéed greens, cornbread, or a big bowl of beans. You really can’t go wrong with any hearty, southern-inspired main or fresh salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop steaming-hot Cajun Rice into bell pepper halves and bake for individual “bowls,” or pile it high in a big serving dish for a family-style meal. You can even top with grilled sausage rounds or colorful roasted veggies for a showstopping centerpiece at your next potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cajun Rice (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It makes a delicious quick lunch or easy weeknight side all over again.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the rice cool completely and freeze portions in resealable freezer bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just be sure to flatten bags for quicker thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Cajun Rice gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring back softness and fluffiness, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in a little water as needed. Fluff with a fork before serving to revive that fresh-cooked texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use brown rice for Cajun Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will require extra liquid—start with an additional ½ cup of broth and extend simmering by about 15–20 minutes, checking for tenderness. The finished dish will have a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
-
What’s the secret to fluffy Cajun Rice with separate grains?
The key is to simmer gently and avoid stirring once you’ve covered the pot with the lid. Once cooked, let it rest (still covered) for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork—this releases steam and creates that perfect fluffy finish.
-
Can I make Cajun Rice ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Cajun Rice reheats beautifully. Prepare it up to a day in advance, then cover and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little extra broth and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
-
Is Cajun Rice spicy?
This version is more savory than spicy, so it’s comfortable for most palates. If you love heat, simply add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch!
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a little southern soul to your table, you truly can’t go wrong with this simple, satisfying Cajun Rice. It’s colorful, comforting, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone who tries it—give it a go and let the flavors transport you straight to Louisiana!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy Cajun Rice recipe that combines bell peppers, onions, and spices with fluffy white rice for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Do not allow the butter to burn. As soon as the butter has melted, add the diced peppers and onion and stir to coat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf to the saucepan and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
- Add the rice, stir, and top with a lid. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and tender to your liking. Set aside for 10 minutes, covered.
- After the resting time, fluff the rice with a fork, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
