If you’ve ever had one of those nights where you open the fridge, stare at the random mix of leftovers, and wonder if takeout might win again, this dish is your answer. I love a recipe that works hard so I don’t have to, and this skillet does exactly that. It’s hearty, quick, and brings the kind of bold flavors that make you look like you tried way harder than you actually did. We’re talking smoky Cajun spice, sweet honey, plenty of garlic, and the juicy bite of chicken sausage all coming together with fluffy rice. It’s the kind of meal that makes the kitchen smell like you have your life figured out. Sausage and rice recipes don’t always feel exciting, but when you toss in a Cajun kick and that sticky honey garlic glaze, dinner feels like something special. What I love most is how versatile it is. This is one of those sausage and chicken recipes that works whether you’re feeding hungry kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to keep yourself from eating cereal for dinner again. It also doubles as one of my favorite Italian chicken sausage recipes when I swap in a different seasoning blend. Honestly, this is one of those sausage recipes for dinner that earns a permanent spot in the rotation. If you’ve ever been curious about a yellow rice and sausage recipe, you’ll see how beautifully the golden color makes it look like you fussed when all you really did was stir and smile.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice
4) How to Make One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice
5) Tips for Making One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice
6) Making One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A single skillet keeps cooking simple and cleanup quick.
Sweet honey, garlic, and Cajun spices balance each other beautifully.
Chicken sausage makes this meal filling and flavorful without fuss.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a family.

2) Easy One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice Recipe

I’ll be honest, I live for meals that only need one skillet. My sink stays clean, I don’t end up stacking pans like a game of Tetris, and I still get to eat something that feels hearty. This chicken sausage recipe is a keeper because it takes the humble duo of sausage and rice and transforms them into something bold, smoky, and a little sweet.

The Cajun seasoning wakes up the sausage, the garlic slides in with a warm bite, and the honey softens everything so it doesn’t hit too heavy. I love that balance of flavors because it keeps you going back for another forkful before you even realize the first bite is gone. And with rice soaking up every drop, this dish never feels dry or boring.

It’s one of those sausage recipes for dinner that you can pull together in a pinch, yet it somehow feels like you spent more time than you did. When I serve it at the table, there’s no quiet moment, just spoons clinking against plates. That’s the mark of a recipe I want to keep around.

3) Ingredients for One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice

Chicken Sausage: I like using Italian chicken sausage because it’s light but still loaded with flavor. Slice it up and let it brown so it gives off that rich aroma while the edges crisp up. It’s the star of the skillet, and swapping it with another type works fine if that’s what you have.

Rice: Long-grain rice works best here. It stays fluffy, so every spoonful gives you grains that aren’t clumped together. If you’re tempted to try yellow rice, this recipe happily takes it on, and you’ll end up with a beautiful golden dish.

Cajun Seasoning: This mix pulls everything together. Smoky, spicy, a little earthy—it keeps the sausage and rice from feeling flat. Don’t be shy with it. This is where the punch comes from.

Honey: Just a drizzle and the skillet changes. The sweetness tames the spice and adds a glossy finish that makes it all look irresistible.

Garlic: Three cloves do the job. They melt into the rice, and the whole kitchen smells like you’ve been cooking all day.

Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are my go-to. They soften up, add color, and sneak in a little freshness so the dish doesn’t feel too heavy.

Chicken Broth: It gives the rice more depth than water ever could. The broth soaks into each grain and keeps it from drying out while it cooks.

Olive Oil: A couple spoonfuls to brown the sausage and veggies. Simple but it gets the job done.

Parsley: Optional, but that fresh green sprinkle at the end makes the skillet look finished and a little fancy without much effort.

4) How to Make One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice

Step 1. Heat your skillet with olive oil. Toss in the chicken sausage slices and let them brown. Don’t rush this part—the flavor builds here. You want the edges to crisp just enough to give a slight snap when you bite.

Step 2. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir them around until they soften. The smell alone at this point is enough to bring people into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner.

Step 3. Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sausage and veggies are coated. This is where the dish takes on its signature kick.

Step 4. Add the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Drizzle the honey over the top. Mix everything well so the rice cooks evenly and picks up all those flavors.

Step 5. Bring the skillet to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Don’t peek too much—the steam is doing the work.

Step 6. When the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley if you want it to look extra fresh.

5) Tips for Making One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice

Use good rice. A long-grain variety holds up better, and it doesn’t go mushy when cooked in broth. If you’ve ever had sausage and rice recipes fall flat, it’s usually the rice that makes or breaks it.

Don’t skimp on browning. The sausage gains its flavor when it sits against the hot skillet long enough to caramelize. It’s tempting to stir often, but let it sit still for that golden edge.

Balance the seasoning. Cajun mixes can vary a lot. Some lean heavy on salt, some on spice. Taste your blend before you add too much. You want heat, but you also want balance with the honey.

If you love variety, this is one of those sausage and chicken recipes you can bend to your own taste. Swap peppers for zucchini, or throw in a handful of spinach at the end. It’ll still work beautifully.

6) Making One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice Ahead of Time

This dish holds up well for meal prep, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I like to portion it into containers once it cools, so grabbing lunch or dinner later feels like a gift I gave myself. The rice absorbs more flavor as it sits, so by day two it’s even better.

If you plan to reheat it, add a splash of broth or water before warming it up. That way, the rice doesn’t dry out. I usually microwave mine, but the skillet works if you want to bring back some of that fresh-off-the-stove feel.

It’s flexible, too. Make it with Italian chicken sausage for a slightly different flavor, or add more veggies to change it up. That’s the beauty of recipes like this—they don’t lock you into one version. They give you options without complicating things.

7) Storing Leftover One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well, but the trick is adding a touch of liquid before you warm it. A splash of broth or even water keeps it from drying out.

If you want to stretch it into another meal, toss the leftovers into a soup or stuff them into bell peppers and bake. It turns into a whole new dish without much effort.

And yes, it freezes. Pack it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for about two months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat. It’s not quite as fluffy as fresh, but it still tastes great.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) One Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Chicken Sausage Rice