Description
A hearty and flavorful Weeknight Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya that combines Cajun spices, tender chicken, smoked sausage, vegetables, and rice into one comforting pot meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, this classic Creole dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound cajun or andouille smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 pound chicken breast meat, cubed
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- Pinch dried red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
Grains
- 2 cups parboiled rice (also sometimes called converted rice)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cubed chicken breast, cooking while stirring frequently until the sausage is browned, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pot, and set the meat aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook, stirring often, until the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, dried red pepper flakes if using, bay leaves, chicken broth, and creole seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Rice and Combine: Stir in the uncooked parboiled rice, then return the browned chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Notes
- Use parboiled rice for best texture and cooking results in jambalaya.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to taste.
- Stir occasionally during the simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for more moist and flavorful meat.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sausage and creole seasoning are gluten-free.
