Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet Delight
Transform your weeknight dinners with this delicious Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet Delight, a dish that perfectly marries the hearty flavors of savory Cajun sausage with tender shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This one-pan wonder is not only simple to prepare but also minimizes cleanup, allowing you to enjoy more time with family or friends. Whether you opt for turkey or chicken sausage, the dish remains flavorful and satisfying. For an even quicker meal, consider using leftover chicken or a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken. Serve warm with fresh parsley for added color and flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cajun-style sausage
16 ounces (sliced)
Sweet onion
1 medium (chopped)
Red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Low sodium chicken broth
14 ounces (none)
Cooked chicken breasts
2 cups (shredded)
Long-grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Cajun seasoning
1.5 teaspoons (none)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
20 ounces (2 (10 ounces) cans, undrained)
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced Cajun sausage, chopped onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned.
2
Add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and Cajun seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After 25 minutes, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the shredded cooked chicken. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken, stirring occasionally.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet Delight?
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Skillet Delight is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring savory Cajun sausage, shredded chicken, rice, bell peppers, and aromatic spices.
How many pans are required for this recipe?
This is a one-pan wonder, meaning you only need a single large skillet for the entire preparation and cooking process.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of sliced Cajun-style sausage, though turkey or chicken sausage can also be used as a substitute.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, using a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken is a great way to save time.
How much cooked chicken is needed?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breasts.
What kind of rice is used in this skillet?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice.
Do I need to cook the rice separately?
No, the rice is added uncooked to the skillet and simmers with the broth and other ingredients.
How long do I sauté the sausage and vegetables?
Sauté the sliced sausage, chopped onion, and red bell pepper for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the initial 10-minute sauté and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of low sodium chicken broth.
How long should the rice simmer?
Once the broth is boiling and the rice is added, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
Should the skillet be covered while the rice cooks?
Yes, cover the skillet during the 25-minute simmering period.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering to prevent the rice from sticking.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
Use 20 ounces (two 10-ounce cans) of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes and green chilies should be added undrained.
When is the chicken added to the skillet?
The shredded cooked chicken is added after the rice has simmered for 25 minutes.
What is the purpose of the final 10-minute cook time?
The final 10 minutes of uncovered cooking allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
What type of onion is best for this dish?
A medium sweet onion, chopped, is recommended.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifies one red bell pepper, chopped.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the recommended garnish?
Stir in 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley before serving for color and flavor.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this one-pan dish stores well and is excellent for leftovers.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra green chilies to increase the heat level.
Why use low sodium chicken broth?
Low sodium broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, especially since sausage and Cajun seasoning already contain salt.
Can I use brown rice instead?
The recipe specifies long-grain white rice; brown rice would require significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time.
What heat setting is used for simmering the rice?
The rice should be simmered on low heat.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying comfort food that is perfect for family weeknight dinners.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it warm directly from the skillet after stirring in the fresh parsley.