Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice Casserole for a Cozy Night In

You know those nights when you’re staring into the pantry, willing something delicious to magically appear? That’s where this Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice Casserole comes in. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings the bold, comforting flavors of the bayou right to your dinner table. We’re talking tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the holy trinity of bell peppers, onions, and celery, all baked together in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug but doesn’t ask you to spend all evening making it. Honestly, it’s a total lifesaver.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is your new best friend for a busy weeknight. First off, it’s incredibly simple. You basically toss everything into one dish and let the oven do the heavy lifting. No fancy techniques, no endless pile of pots and pans to wash. Just straightforward, hearty goodness. And the flavor? So, so good. It’s got that perfect kick of heat that warms you up without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s a complete meal all by itself—protein, veggies, and carbs are all right there. It’s the ultimate answer to your quick dinner ideas and healthy dinner recipes search. You’ll love how versatile it is, too. Got some leftover rotisserie chicken? This is the perfect shredded chicken recipe to use it up!

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice: The base that soaks up all the incredible flavor.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and cooks the rice to perfection.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Lean protein that stays tender.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation.
1 green bell pepper, diced: For a fresh, crisp texture.
2 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle, earthy crunch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic.
2 tbsp olive oil: To sauté our veggies and chicken.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce.
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend: The star of the show for that signature spice.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smoky depth.
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who really love the heat.
Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese: For a melty, golden-brown topping.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish.

Step by Step Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a deep 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking oil.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, just until it’s no longer pink on the outside. It doesn’t need to be cooked through yet! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In that same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until it’s fragrant.
In your prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, the sautéed vegetable mixture, the partially cooked chicken, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Give everything a really good stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and the seasonings are well mixed.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil, give the rice a stir, and then re-cover. Bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven. Take the foil off for the last time and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up nicely. Garnish with fresh parsley right before you dig in!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need anything fancy here, which is part of the beauty of this recipe! A good, deep 9×13 inch casserole dish is essential. You’ll also need a large skillet for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping, and some aluminum foil to cover the dish while it bakes. That’s it!

Flavor Twists

This casserole is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. Not a fan of too much heat? Simply leave out the cayenne pepper—it’ll still be packed with flavor. For a smoky twist without pork, try adding a cup of diced smoked turkey sausage along with the chicken. If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, you can swap the white rice for brown rice; just add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and 10-15 minutes to the baking time. And for a veggie-packed version, stir in a cup of frozen corn or diced tomatoes with green chiles right before it goes into the oven.

Leftovers & Reheating

Leftovers are almost better than the first serving! Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, the microwave is easiest—just splash a tablespoon of water or broth over a portion to keep it moist and heat for 1-2 minutes. For a larger portion, reheat it in a 350°F oven in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This casserole is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side can really round things out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Some warm, buttered cornbread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a lighter option, some quick sautéed green beans or asparagus would be lovely. And if you’re serving a crowd? This is a potluck superstar that pairs well with just about anything.

Doneness Test

The best way to know if your casserole is done is to check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. The chicken will be cooked through completely—no pink should remain, and the internal temperature should read 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. The cheese on top should be fully melted and lightly golden around the edges.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this even quicker? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts for easy meals. Just shred about 3 cups of chicken and stir it in with the raw rice and veggies. Because the chicken is already cooked, you’ll skip the browning step entirely.
My family is sensitive to spice. How can I adjust the heat? This is a great healthy chicken recipe that you can easily tailor. Start by using a mild Cajun seasoning blend (check the label, as some are spicier than others). Omit the cayenne pepper completely. You can always add a dash of hot sauce at the table for those who want it!
Can I make this Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice Casserole ahead of time? You sure can. Assemble the entire casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, but you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting from cold.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It sure is, as long as your specific Cajun seasoning blend and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. Always double-check those labels to be safe!