Mediterranean Cajun-Style Rice with Chicken Sausage & Veggies
This dish combines smoky Cajun spices with Mediterranean ingredients for a bold fusion of flavor. Featuring savory chicken sausage, vibrant vegetables, and seasoned rice, it’s a one-pan meal that’s hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked rice (basmati or long grain)
2 tbsp olive oil
10–12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Seasonings:
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for extra heat
Garnish (Optional):
Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cook the Veggies:
In the same pan, add remaining olive oil.
Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook another 2–3 minutes.
Add Rice and Spices:
Stir in uncooked rice and let it toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the rice.
Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve:
Return sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Heat for 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips
Use Precooked Chicken Sausage:
Most chicken sausages are fully cooked, so you’re mainly browning for flavor and texture. This speeds up cooking time.
Toast the Rice:
Lightly toasting the rice before adding the broth gives it a nuttier flavor and helps it stay fluffy.
Watch the Liquid:
Depending on your rice type, you may need slightly more or less liquid. Check at the 15-minute mark and adjust as needed.
Let It Rest:
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let the rice sit (covered) for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Chop Veggies Evenly:
Uniform cuts help everything cook at the same rate and give the dish a clean, professional look.
Control the Heat:
Cajun seasoning blends vary in spiciness. Taste yours before adding cayenne or chili flakes.
Variations
Grain Swap:
Substitute rice with quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different texture or to suit dietary needs.
Make It Vegetarian:
Skip the sausage and add chickpeas, mushrooms, or tofu for a hearty meatless version.
Extra Protein:
Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken breast near the end for a double-protein option.
Olive Addition:
Toss in some Kalamata olives for a salty Mediterranean contrast.
Fresh Greens:
Stir in baby spinach or arugula right before serving for a fresh, wilted green element.
Cheesy Top:
Sprinkle with feta, Parmesan, or goat cheese for a creamy, savory finish.
Zesty Touch:
Add a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Q&A
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of sausage?
A: Yes! Just dice boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs and cook thoroughly before adding the vegetables.
Q: What’s the best rice to use?
A: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine works best. Avoid short-grain rice, which may become sticky.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Definitely! Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use a Cajun seasoning substitute?
A: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 400–450 kcal
Protein: 20–25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and sausage brand used.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cajun-Style Rice with Chicken Sausage & Veggies is the perfect one-skillet wonder—packed with flavor, nutrients, and color. The smoky Cajun spices complement the Mediterranean ingredients beautifully, while the chicken sausage adds savory depth. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Customize it with your favorite grains or veggies and enjoy a satisfying, bold, and balanced meal every time.