The Ultimate One Pot Meal
The Ultimate One Pot Meal is a medium Cajun recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $23.14 total, $5.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into 1‑inch bite‑size pieces, keep some fat for flavor)
- 12 oz Andouille Sausage (diced; can substitute smoked beef sausage or turkey sausage)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
- 1 Jalapeño (seeded and diced; optional for heat)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced (or 2 tbsp garlic paste))
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 4 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (good quality)
- 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp Louisiana Hot Sauce
- 2 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 0.5 cup Green Onions (sliced; adds fresh flavor at the end)
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Blend (mix of all‑purpose, Lemon Bay, and hot Cajun seasoning; low‑sodium)
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice chicken thighs, Andouille sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño; mince garlic; rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
Time: PT10M
Season Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl, add Cajun seasoning blend, and massage with hands until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Brown Andouille Sausage
Heat skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil, then add diced Andouille sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5‑6 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
Time: PT6M
Sear Chicken
In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear without moving for 2‑3 minutes, then stir and continue until chicken is about 80% cooked and nicely browned, another 3‑4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT6M
Sauté Holy Trinity
Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until vegetables soften and release moisture, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Season the Base
Add hot sauce, chicken bouillon powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the seasoned oil. Toast for 2‑3 minutes until slightly translucent.
Time: PT3M
Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is mostly tender.
Time: PT15M
Finish Cooking with Proteins
Stir the partially cooked chicken and browned sausage back into the skillet. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 5‑10 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves, stir in sliced green onions, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if broth is gluten‑free), Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Last updated: April 16, 2026








