Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
A true taste of Louisiana in one pot! This hearty jambalaya features smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and the classic 'holy trinity' of vegetables, all simmered with rice and bold Cajun spices for a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Meats
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- c.Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add to the hot pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- d.Add the sliced andouille sausage to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well-browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot to release the flavorful browned bits (fond), until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom Aromatics and Spices
- b.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- c.Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for another minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to coat it in the vegetable and spice mixture.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and the can of undrained diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- d.Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial for cooking the rice.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid.
- c.Open the lid, remove and discard the bay leaves. Fluff the jambalaya gently with a fork.
- d.Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they remain more tender and juicy during the long simmer.
- 2The key to a flavorful jambalaya is the 'fond' - the browned bits left in the pot after cooking the meat. Be sure to scrape these up when you add the vegetables.
- 3Resist the urge to stir the rice while it's simmering. Stirring can release starches and make the jambalaya gummy instead of fluffy.
- 4If you can't find andouille sausage, a good quality smoked kielbasa or other spicy smoked sausage is a great substitute.
- 5Letting the jambalaya rest for 10 minutes after cooking is a critical step. It allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb the last bit of moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seafood Jambalaya
Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5-7 minutes of the simmering time. They cook quickly and are a classic addition.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or more. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce at the end.
Vegetarian JambalayaVegetarian Jambalaya
Omit the chicken and sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1-2 cups of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or black-eyed peas along with the holy trinity.
Smoky Flavor BoostSmoky Flavor Boost
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices to enhance the smoky flavor profile of the dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With both chicken and sausage, this dish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The rice in jambalaya is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Rich in Vegetables
The 'holy trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery, along with garlic and tomatoes, contributes essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to the meal.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from the chicken and provides vegetables. However, it can be high in sodium and saturated fat due to the sausage. To make it healthier, use low-sodium broth, a salt-free Cajun seasoning, and choose a leaner sausage.