Why You’ll Love This Cajun Jambalaya Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and traditional Southern dish, Nicole’s Authentic Cajun Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya is the perfect choice. This one-pot meal is loaded with bold spices, tender chicken, smoky sausage, and the rich flavors of Louisiana. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Jambalaya Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Nicole’s Cajun Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a big Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the pieces of chicken and slices of sausage, searing them until they are nicely golden brown. Take out of the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Holy Trinity
In the same pan, put in the onions, bell peppers, and celery (which is called the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking). Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables become soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s aromatic.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Add in the diced tomatoes, together with the paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Allow the flavors to blend together for around 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add back the chicken and sausage. Stir in the rice and allow it to soak up some of the flavors. Add in the chicken broth, add the bay leaves, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Lower heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Don’t stir too often to avoid mushy rice. Monitor occasionally to check there’s still liquid enough.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Once the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid, take out the bay leaves. Add the hot sauce (if used) and sprinkle with green onions and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cornbread on the side for a true Southern classic.
- Combine with a fresh coleslaw or cucumber salad for contrast.
- Serve with glass of sweet tea or lemonade.
Tips for the Best Cajun Jambalaya
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor if desired.
- Adjust the heat level by adding or subtracting the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
- For an even deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Don’t stir too much while the rice is cooking to get the ideal texture.
- Turn it into a seafood jambalaya by adding shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
Authentic Cajun Flavors: Full of classic spices and Louisiana-style ingredients.
- One-Pot Convenience: Least cleanup with most flavor.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Ideal for a cozy meal.
- Customizable: Simple to customize to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use brown rice in place of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice cooks slower. Add 10-15 minutes of extra cooking time and test for doneness.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! This jambalaya is even better the second day when the flavors have blended together. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for a maximum of 4 days.
Can jambalaya be frozen?
Yes! Let the dish cool down, and place it in an airtight freezer container for a maximum of 3 months. Reheat over the stovetop or in the microwave with a dash of chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Replace the chicken and sausage with vegan sausage and additional vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini.
Final Thoughts
Nicole’s Authentic Cajun Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya is a hearty, spicy, and comforting dish that brings Louisiana flavor right into your kitchen. With its ease of preparation, depth of flavor, and convenience of cooking in one pot, this jambalaya will become a favorite with your family. Try it today and taste the ultimate combination of spice, savory goodness, and Southern tradition!
