If you love bold seasoning, juicy chicken, tender shrimp, and creamy comfort food, this Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice brings everything together in one satisfying meal.
The chicken and shrimp are coated in a flavorful Cajun-inspired seasoning and cooked until beautifully browned. They’re then served over creamy broccoli rice that’s loaded with melted cheese and savory flavor. The broccoli adds color and texture while the cheese brings everything together into a comforting, family-friendly dinner.
Best of all, this recipe can be prepared in one skillet or with minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun-inspired flavor
- Juicy chicken and tender shrimp
- Creamy, cheesy broccoli rice
- Easy weeknight dinner
- High in protein
- Customizable spice level
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Great for leftovers
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken & Shrimp
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheesy Broccoli Rice
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Lemon wedges
- Extra shredded cheese
- A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning
How to Make Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or small strips.
Place the chicken in a bowl and add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
If your Cajun seasoning already contains plenty of salt, reduce or skip the additional salt.
2. Season the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate bowl.
Add a little Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
Toss gently until coated.
Don’t over-season the shrimp because they cook quickly and can become quite salty when combined with the seasoned chicken and cheese.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the same skillet.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size.
The shrimp should become opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Add the minced garlic during the final 30 seconds of cooking.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Avoid overcooking shrimp because they can quickly become rubbery.
Make the Cheesy Broccoli Rice
5. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the skillet.
Once melted, add the diced onion.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
6. Add the Broccoli
Add the finely chopped broccoli.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The broccoli should become tender while retaining some texture.
If you prefer very soft broccoli, cover the skillet for a couple of minutes.
7. Add the Rice
Stir in the cooked rice.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream or milk.
Add black pepper and paprika.
Stir everything together and cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the liquid.
8. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gradually, stirring until completely melted.
The rice should become creamy and cheesy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Return the Chicken and Shrimp
Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back to the skillet.
Gently fold everything together.
Allow it to heat through for another 1–2 minutes.
Don’t cook for too long after adding the shrimp because you don’t want them to become tough.
10. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Add fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Garnish with sliced green onions or additional cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while the rice is warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken & Shrimp
Don’t overcook the shrimp
Shrimp only need a few minutes to cook. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re opaque and cooked through.
Use freshly shredded cheese
Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning
Different Cajun seasoning blends vary significantly in heat and saltiness. Start with a moderate amount and add more to taste.
Cut the chicken evenly
Similar-sized chicken pieces cook more evenly and help prevent some pieces from becoming dry.
Use cooked rice
This recipe is especially convenient when you have leftover cooked rice in the refrigerator.
If preparing rice specifically for this recipe, let it cool slightly before adding it to the skillet.
How to Make It Spicier
If you love heat, add:
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Extra Cajun seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Diced jalapeño
- Hot sauce
Start with a small amount and increase gradually.
How to Make It Milder
For a family-friendly version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit cayenne pepper.
You can still keep the smoky flavor by using a little smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Vegetable Additions
You can easily add more vegetables to the rice.
Try:
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Corn
- Peas
- Zucchini
- Green onions
If using vegetables that release a lot of moisture, cook them separately or allow them to cook down before adding the rice.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken & Shrimp
This dish is already quite filling, but you can serve it with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Corn on the cob
- Simple cucumber salad
- Fresh lemon wedges
A crisp salad can be especially refreshing alongside the creamy, spicy rice.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Because the dish contains seafood and dairy, refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat thoroughly.
When reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the rice.
Heat gently until steaming hot throughout.
Can You Freeze This Dish?
You can freeze the cheesy broccoli rice, but the texture of the dairy-based sauce may change slightly after thawing.
For the best texture, freeze the rice separately from the chicken and shrimp when possible.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Shrimp are best when freshly cooked, so if you’re planning freezer meals, consider adding freshly cooked shrimp after reheating the rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful.
Can I use cauliflower rice?
Yes. Cauliflower rice can replace traditional rice for a lighter, vegetable-forward version. Because cauliflower releases moisture, cook it until the excess liquid evaporates before adding the cheese.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Brown rice works well and gives the dish a slightly nuttier flavor.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a creamy, flavorful combination, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a mild cheese blend can also work.
Can I make this without shrimp?
Yes. Simply increase the chicken or add another protein or extra vegetables.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop / One-Skillet
Flavor: Cajun, Cheesy, Savory
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice is a satisfying combination of bold spices, tender protein, creamy rice, and plenty of melted cheese.
The secret is to cook the chicken and shrimp separately so each stays tender, then bring everything together at the end. The broccoli rice provides a creamy base that balances the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or simply want a comforting skillet meal with plenty of flavor, this recipe delivers a delicious dinner without requiring complicated techniques.
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Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice – Easy One-Pan Dinner
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Make Cajun Chicken & Shrimp with Cheesy Broccoli Rice for a flavorful weeknight meal featuring seasoned chicken, tender shrimp, broccoli, and creamy melted cheese.