Description
Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a bold and hearty Southern classic, brimming with seasoned chicken, smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a pot full of rich Cajun spices. It’s a one-pan comfort dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals. With its balance of spice and savory goodness, it delivers soul-satisfying bites every time.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes, with juice
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned and crisp around the edges, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir to coat the rice in the spices.
5. Add diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Return chicken and sausage to the pot and stir well, scraping the bottom.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley and green onions.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Great for leftovers and make-ahead meals. Adjust spice levels to taste. Use long grain white rice for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun jambalaya, chicken and sausage jambalaya, one pot Southern meal