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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
🔥 Love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice is the perfect budget-friendly, protein-packed meal that’s fast, cheap, and full of Louisiana-style spice!
With juicy, seasoned chicken, tender rice, and a spicy, smoky kick, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that will keep you coming back for more. Best of all? Everything cooks in one pot, so you’ll save time on cleanup!
🍛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses cheap chicken thighs & pantry staples.
✔ One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes, less hassle.
✔ Spicy & Flavorful – Packed with bold Cajun seasoning.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays delicious for days.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice level & add veggies as needed!
🛒 What You’ll Need
This easy one-pot Cajun chicken & rice is made with affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget.
For the Chicken & Rice:
✅ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cubed) 🛒 How to choose the best chicken for your budget
✅ 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown)
✅ 3 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon for a cheaper option)
✅ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
✅ 1 small onion, diced
✅ 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cajun Seasoning:
✅ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp onion powder
✅ ½ tsp dried oregano
✅ ½ tsp dried thyme
✅ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ ½ tsp salt
👉 Want a shortcut? Use store-bought Cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere’s instead!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
1️⃣ Pat the chicken dry and coat it evenly with Cajun seasoning.
2️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
4️⃣ Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
5️⃣ In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
6️⃣ Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute to develop flavor.
💡 Follow KateFi.com on Pinterest for:
- Frugal living hacks
- Budget-friendly meal ideas
- Creative side hustle tips
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Step 3: Cook the Rice
7️⃣ Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir well.
8️⃣ Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice.
9️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 4: Fluff & Serve!
🔟 Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
🔟 Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and dig in!
💡 Want extra heat? Drizzle with hot sauce like Crystal Hot Sauce for that authentic Cajun kick!
💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)
- Chicken thighs (1 lb) – $4.00
- Rice (1 ½ cups) – $0.75
- Chicken broth (3 cups) – $1.00
- Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1.25
- Onion, bell pepper, garlic – $1.50
- Seasonings & oil – $1.00
✅ Total cost per serving: ~$2.00
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This one-pot meal is filling on its own, but if you want some Southern-style sides, try:
🥗 Simple Collard Greens – Easy & budget-friendly recipe
🍞 Homemade Cornbread – Best cornbread recipe
🥒 Crispy Pickles or Slaw – Spicy Cajun slaw
❓ Common Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White?
Yes! Just increase the broth to 4 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes.
What’s the Best Cut of Chicken for This Recipe?
✔ Thighs – Juicy & budget-friendly.
✔ Breasts – Leaner but still delicious.
✔ Drumsticks – Super cheap but take longer to cook.
👉 Guide to the best cheap chicken cuts
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Follow these adjustments:
1️⃣ Use SAUTÉ mode to brown the chicken & cook veggies.
2️⃣ Add all remaining ingredients and set to PRESSURE COOK for 8 minutes.
3️⃣ Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before opening.
👉 Instant Pot Rice Cooking Guide
🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Ingredients for Cajun Chicken & Rice
💡 Save money by shopping smart! Try:
✔ Aldi & Walmart – Cheap chicken & pantry staples.
✔ Asian or Hispanic Grocery Stores – Bulk rice & spices for less.
✔ Costco or Sam’s Club – Stock up on chicken & frozen bell peppers.
🔗 More budget grocery tips:
🌟 Final Thoughts: Spicy, Easy & Affordable!
This One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a budget-friendly, quick, and easy dinner that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food!
🔥 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below & let us know how it turned out!
📌 Loved this dish? Pin it for later!
🔗 More budget-friendly meal ideas:
- 25 Cheap & Easy One-Pot Meals
- How to Cook Gourmet Meals on a Budget
- 10 Quick & Affordable Weeknight Dinners
