Name: One‑Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489205H36M53S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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I’ve found this dish to be a lifesaver on busy weeknights: smoky sausage seared to golden perfection, garlic, honey, and Cajun seasoning all tossed with tender, flavorful rice — all cooked in one skillet so cleanup is a breeze. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and comforting. One‑Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

It’s a one‑skillet wonder — fewer pans, less fuss, more time enjoying.
The flavors are bold yet balanced: spicy Cajun seasoning, rich smoked sausage, mellowed by sweet honey and garlic.
It comes together pretty quickly — from prep to table in around 35‑40 minutes.
It’s flexible: I can switch up the sausage, add veggies, adjust heat, or even lighten it up.
It’s both kid‑friendly and satisfying enough for adults.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup long‑grain white rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons honey
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
I add the sausage slices and sear them until browned on both sides (about 3‑4 minutes per side).
I stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the rinsed rice and stir to coat it with the seasonings and sausage drippings.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a low boil.
I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18‑20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
I remove it from heat, drizzle honey over the dish, and gently stir to combine.
I garnish with chopped fresh parsley if I want a pop of freshness and color.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes tweak or add these based on what I have or how I feel:

Swap smoked sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant‑based version.
Use brown rice instead of white rice (increase liquid and cook time).
Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, corn, peas, or spinach — I stir them in with the rice or toward the end.
Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Adjust the spiciness by changing the Cajun seasoning or using hot sausage.

Storage/reheating

I always make sure to store properly so leftovers stay delicious:

Refrigerator: Once cooled, I store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

When reheating:

Microwave: I add a splash of water or broth, cover loosely, and heat in 60‑second bursts, stirring in between.
Stovetop: I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

How spicy will this dish be?

It depends on the sausage and Cajun seasoning I use. With mild sausage and a gentle blend, it’s mild. If I want more heat, I go for spicy sausage and a bold Cajun mix.

Can I use pre‑cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

Yes, I can. I skip the simmering step and stir in cooked rice with a bit of broth, letting it heat through for 5–7 minutes so it soaks up the flavor.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

It can be, as long as I choose gluten‑free sausage, broth, and Cajun seasoning. I always check the labels to be sure.

What proteins can I substitute if I don’t want sausage?

I’ve used chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu. I cook shrimp or tofu separately and stir them in at the end so they don’t overcook.

How do I avoid mushy rice?

I rinse the rice well, toast it briefly in the skillet, measure liquid accurately, and avoid stirring while it simmers. Letting it rest a few minutes off heat helps too.

Conclusion

This One‑Skillet Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice is one of my favorite go‑to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to clean up after. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet honey, garlic, and that Cajun kick all wrapped in perfectly tender rice makes this dish a crowd‑pleaser every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.