Cajun-Style Rice with Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This easy, one-skillet Cajun rice dish is packed with spicy chicken sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s a comforting Southern-inspired meal with a Mediterranean twist — lighter, fresher, and great for meal prep or weeknight dinners!
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
10–12 oz (280–340g) chicken sausage (spicy or smoked), sliced into rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets or zucchini
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice
2¼ cups chicken broth or water
Salt & pepper, to taste
Cajun Seasoning:
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Saute Veggies:
In the same pan, add onion, bell peppers, and broccoli/zucchini.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; stir for 1 minute.
3. Add Rice and Simmer:
Stir in the uncooked rice to coat with flavor.
Pour in chicken broth and return sausage to the pan. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes (25 minutes if using brown rice) until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff & Serve:
Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley or green onion, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations:
Want it creamier? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream at the end.
Make it veggie-loaded: Add corn, spinach, or tomatoes.
For extra spice: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
Make it meal-prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Most chicken sausage is fully cooked — just brown it for flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this with quinoa or cauliflower rice?
Definitely — just adjust liquid and cook time accordingly.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes — cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 440
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 5g