Easy chicken red beans and rice

Easy Chicken Red Beans and Rice is a comforting recipe that harmonizes tender chicken, fiber-rich red beans, and rice. This one-pan meal can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. 

The nola red beans and rice recipe combines a perfect blend of spices and fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that can be a hit at any dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients like chicken breast, red beans, onions, and bell peppers, it provides not only flavor but also nutrition.Quick Prep Time: Ready in 20 minutes.

This Cajun Chicken recipe is a complete meal made in one pan with just 8 ingredients! Featuring tender chicken thighs nestled in fluffy Cajun red beans and rice flavored with sweet red bell peppers and juicy tomatoes! This Cajun chicken and rice is so easy and delicious it will instantly become a family favorite!

History and Origins

The roots of Chicken Red Beans and Rice recipe are deeply embedded in Southern cuisine, particularly in Louisiana. This easy red beans and rice recipe reflects the rich culinary traditions of Creole culture, which blends French, Spanish, and African influences. 

Originally, red beans and rice were a staple in households due to their affordability and nourishing properties, often cooked on Mondays as women started their week. As families gathered around the dinner table, this dish symbolized comfort and community, a tradition that continues to this day. For healthy recipes , you can try a version of red beans vegetarian recipe. 

Ingredients for chicken red beans and rice 

You’ll need eight easy-to-find ingredients to make all recipes .  this simple Louisiana chicken dinner! This easy chicken red beans and rice recipe uses common pantry seasonings, along with fresh vegetables to keeps things quick and fuss-free without sacrificing flavor!

• 4 Chicken Thighs – Bone-in (either skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
• 1 small Yellow Onion – peeled and diced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper – diced
• 2 tbs Cajun Spice Mix – divided 

• 2 tbs Olive Oil – divided 
• 1 Cup Long Grain Rice
• 1 (15 ounce) Can Red Beans – drained and rinsed

• 1 ½ Cup Chicken Stock (or broth)
• 1 (15 ounce) Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with their juices
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped Fresh Parsley

These ingredients come together to create a hearty and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: You can easily make this a vegetarian recipe by removing the chicken, and switching out the chicken stock for vegetable broth!

Sauce: Drizzle a bit of Louisiana hot sauce over your chicken, rice and kidney beans for even more spicy flavor! Or try drizzling this dish with creamy remoulade sauce if you prefer a more cooling flavor!

Lime: To really bring these pan-fried and oven baked chicken thighs to life, try squeezing some fresh lime over the dish just before serving! (You can use lemon juice if you are in a pinch!)

Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are in season, stir some sweet cherry or grape tomatoes into the cajun red beans and rice before serving!

Jalapeños: I always add jalapeños for a mild pop of spicy flavor!

How to make chicken red beans and rice?

This chicken red beans and rice recipe  is incredibly easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time! Start by generously seasoning the chicken on all sides with Cajun spice. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Next, add the fresh vegetables to the same skillet, seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Cook until they’re soft and tender. Lower the heat and stir in the white rice. Pour in the stock, add more Cajun seasoning, and mix in the red beans and tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine.

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and place it in an oven preheated to 350°F. While it bakes, take a break and enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail!). 

After 25 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, take the skillet out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs and jalapeño slices, and enjoy with the biggest fork you can find!

Serving Louisiana red beans and rice recipe

This one-pot recipe is fuss-free and has it all – chicken, red beans,  rice, and plenty of vegetables! However, if you are looking to serve a hungry family and want a little something on the side, then the below dishes are a great complement to this recipe!

• Hush puppies: Fluffy hush puppies are my favorite appetizer to serve with one pot cajun chicken and rice!

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a fantastic side dish to serve with this chicken red beans and rice recipe ! Add some cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños to the batter to kick it up a notch!

• Salad: Keep it simple and use up whatever vegetables you have hanging out in your crisper drawer! Drizzle it with some spicy ranch for a quick and healthy side dish!

• Sauce it: If you agree that sauce is boss, try drizzling this remoulade creole over your chicken and rice for a burst of robust flavor.

• Roasted veggies: For an easy side that only dirties one more dish, roast your favorite fresh vegetable! Potatoes, corn, broccoli, asparagus, collard greens and green beans are all perfect with this Louisiana chicken red beans and rice!

This simple yet thoughtful presentation transforms a hearty meal into a feast for the eyes.

Storing leftovers

Leftover Cajun chicken and rice makes a yummy heat-and-eat lunch! Allow the dish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. 

Properly stored, leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you are looking for longer term storage, you can also freeze your leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.