Easy Sausage Chicken Jambalaya Recipe for Irresistible Comfort
Easy Sausage Chicken Jambalaya Recipe for Irresistible Comfort
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies your soul and your taste buds? Many people think jambalaya is complicated to make, often assuming it requires hours of prep or exotic ingredients. The truth is, with the right recipe, you can whip up an easy sausage chicken jambalaya that bursts with comforting flavors without the fuss. This dish blends smoky sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic spices into a cozy one-pot meal that’s perfect any day of the week.
Ingredients List
To create this easy sausage chicken jambalaya, here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille is ideal, but kielbasa or chorizo work well too)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (chicken breasts can be substituted for a leaner option)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a fiber-rich alternative)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted adds a smoky depth)
– 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
– 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning for a milder kick)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Dietary Alternatives:
– For a gluten-free version, ensure your sausage has no added fillers or use certified gluten-free sausage.
– Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly variant.
– Use cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
Timing
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Cook time: 35 minutes
– Total time: 50 minutes
From sizzling sausage to the aromatic blend of vegetables and spices, this recipe delivers comforting smells and rich colors that fill your kitchen in under an hour. The simmering phase melds flavors perfectly, ensuring each bite provides a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Sausage and Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage pieces and sauté until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Next, add diced chicken to the same pan, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until golden on all sides but not fully cooked (about 4 minutes). Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Chef’s Tip: Browning adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step. Use tongs to flip pieces gently and get a nice caramelized crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Helpful Alternative: If you want to amp up the smokiness, add chopped smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke here.
Step 3: Add Rice and Spices
Pour in the rice, stirring well to coat grains with the aromatic oil and vegetables. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper across the pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Proteins
Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Allow the jambalaya to cook gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently to keep the steam trapped.
Chef’s Tip: If the rice isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is gone, add a splash more chicken broth and continue simmering.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (recipe serves 6):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 32g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sodium: 700mg
– Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium (from veggies and protein)
This balanced profile makes it a satisfying yet nutritious option, combining lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables with moderate carbohydrates.
Healthier Alternatives
To make your jambalaya even better for your body:
– Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and minerals.
– Choose turkey sausage or homemade chicken sausage made with lean ground chicken and herbs.
– Increase the vegetable quantity by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for extra vitamins and antioxidants.
– Reduce or omit the oil, cooking the ingredients in broth to limit fat.
– Use a low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping richness.
Serving Suggestions
This easy sausage chicken jambalaya pairs wonderfully with:
– A simple side of crusty French bread or cornbread to sop up the flavorful juices.
– A crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
– Roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans or asparagus for extra texture and color.
– A dollop of cooling Greek yogurt or ranch dressing to temper the spices.
For festive occasions, serve in individual bowls and garnish with lemon wedges to brighten the palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overcooking the rice: Opening the lid often releases steam needed to cook rice evenly. Keep the lid on and check near the end only.
– Skipping browning: Neglecting to sear the sausage and chicken means losing valuable flavor complexity.
– Using wet or sticky sausage: Dry, smoked types work best. Otherwise, drain excess fat during cooking to avoid greasiness.
– Adding too much liquid: Follow recipe amounts closely; too much liquid results in mushy jambalaya.
– Ignoring seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust spices for your perfect heat and salt balance.
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm gently on the stove or microwave to restore moisture and flavor. You can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Conclusion
This easy sausage chicken jambalaya recipe guarantees a fuss-free route to authentic comfort food that’s bursting with bold flavors and balanced nutrition. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, enjoying this hearty dish at home brings a slice of Southern hospitality to your table. Don’t forget to share your experience, leave a comment, or sign up for the newsletter for more soul-satisfying meals!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make jambalaya in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and chicken beforehand, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add rice about halfway through to avoid it becoming mushy.
Q2: Is jambalaya spicy?
It depends on your seasoning choice. Using milder Cajun or Creole blends reduces heat, while extra cayenne or hot sauce amps it up. You can easily adjust spices to suit your palate.
Q3: What’s the difference between jambalaya and gumbo?
Jambalaya is a one-pot rice dish with meat and vegetables cooked together. Gumbo is more like a thick stew served over rice, often using a roux base and seafood or sausage.
Q4: Can I prepare jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store covered in the fridge and reheat thoroughly. Avoid freezing if you’re using dairy-based ingredients (not in this recipe).
Q5: What side dishes go well with jambalaya?
Classic sides include cornbread, green salads, fried okra, or sautéed greens. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad balances the spice.
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For more delicious Cajun and Southern-inspired recipes, check out our Classic Cajun Shrimp Étouffée and Quick Cajun Cornbread. Also, explore our Ultimate Guide to Cajun Spices to master the seasoning that makes every dish unforgettable.
Ready to bring this easy, comforting jambalaya to your kitchen? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of Louisiana tonight!
