Get ready to enjoy the bold and irresistible flavors of Cajun Jambalaya in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy version of the classic Louisiana dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting. With tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, every bite is a celebration of rich and soulful tastes. Let’s get started!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside with the chicken.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Saute the diced onions, bell pepper, and celery until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet, along with the dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the white rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the jambalaya simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or pre-cooked sausage if desired. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can enhance the flavors by stirring in some chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving if you’d like. Serve your Cajun Jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a delightful texture contrast and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1342mg
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 122mg
