Description
This Easy Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Chicken combines tender chicken thighs, savory chicken livers, and perfectly spiced rice into one flavorful, satisfying one-pot meal. Bursting with the bold, comforting flavors of Louisiana, it’s a hearty dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
🩷 1/2 pound chicken livers, finely chopped
🩷 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed until water runs clear
🩷 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
🩷 1 medium onion, finely chopped
🩷 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
🩷 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
🩷 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
🩷 3 garlic cloves, minced
🩷 3 cups warm chicken broth
🩷 1 teaspoon dried thyme
🩷 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Add-ins:
🩷 1/2 pound ground beef or sausage
🩷 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
🔵 Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
🔵 Step 2: Add onions, bell peppers, and celery to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
🔵 Step 3: Mix in the remaining Cajun seasoning and thyme. Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the vegetables. Simmer for a few minutes.
🔵 Step 4: Add chicken livers, cooking until browned. Stir in rinsed rice, coating each grain in the mixture.
🔵 Step 5: Pour in warm chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
🔵 Step 6: Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in optional add-ins if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference. Add cayenne for heat or tone it down with a dollop of sour cream.
- For brown rice, extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes and use extra broth.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~30g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
Keywords: Cajun Dirty Rice, Cajun Chicken Recipe, One-Pot Meals, Dirty Rice with Chicken, Southern Recipes, Louisiana Dirty Rice