Skillet Cajun Chicken Sausage Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 10 oz smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" slices (such as andouille, kielbasa, bratwurst, or chorizo)
03 - 1 lb chicken breast, skinless and boneless, cubed
04 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
05 - 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste
06 - 1 medium onion, diced
07 - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 1/2 cups medium or long-grain rice
11 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1 tsp onion powder
14 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
15 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
16 - 14 oz fire-roasted tomatoes (1 can)
17 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
18 - 1/4 cup green onion, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage in an even layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
02 - Add the chicken to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
03 - Add the remaining tbsp of olive oil to the skillet along with the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and begins to turn translucent.
04 - Stir in the garlic and tomato paste with the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, then add the rice and stir well. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
05 - Add the chicken and sausage back to the skillet along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring the mixture and scraping the bottom of the skillet every 5 minutes.
07 - Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with sliced green onion and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
02 - Stir every 5 minutes during simmering to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
03 - You can adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.