Ultimate Quick Chicken Sausage Jambalaya Recipe Made Easy

There’s something about a cozy bowl of jambalaya that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. Growing up, I remember my grandmother whipping up a big pot of this delicious, hearty dish, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas of spiced sausage, savory chicken, and colorful bell peppers. It was always a family feast that brought us together, and every bite was packed with flavor and comfort. Today, I’m excited to share my quick take on Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, because let’s face it, sometimes we need a little comfort food to brighten our days.

Whether you’ve had a long day or just need to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ticket to deliciousness! It’s easy, it’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it’s ready in a snap. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like chicken, sausage, and rice, you won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: The soul of Cajun cooking shines through with a delicious blend of spices and textures.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal – or your favorite show after dinner!

Ingredients

Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need for this quick chicken & sausage jambalaya:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille is traditional, but any smoked sausage works!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want to get it nice and hot but not smoking.
2. Add the chicken: Toss in the diced chicken thighs and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown. This adds wonderful flavor!
3. In goes the sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it’s sizzling and slightly crisped.
4. Veggie time: Stir in the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook everything together until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Ah, that aroma!
5. Tomato bliss: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. Get the rice in: Add the rice to the pot, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover and cook: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Be sure to check it halfway through and stir gently!
8. Finish it off: If you’re using peas, add them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and sweetness.
9. Serve it up: Once done, fluff everything with a fork and taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun twists and pro tips:

• Spice it up: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken and sausage for your favorite plant-based proteins and add more veggies like zucchini or okra.
• Additions: Consider tossing in some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, or throw in a bay leaf while simmering for added depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top before serving brightens up the dish beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

Now, you’ve got a steaming pot of jambalaya that looks and smells incredible! Here’s how I love to serve it:

• With a Side: A crusty loaf of French bread or some buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Salad Greens: Pair it with a simple iceberg or mixed greens salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or Sweet Tea: Depending on your mood, serve with a cup of rich coffee or a chilled glass of sweet tea. Classic comforts!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store this dish without losing its lovely flavor:

• Refrigerate: Allow the jambalaya to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals!
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time. You might need to add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

What’s a good substitute for Andouille sausage?

If you can’t find Andouille, any smoked sausage works beautifully. Italian sausage or kielbasa are excellent substitutes that will bring their unique flavors to the dish!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this jambalaya is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and then store it in the fridge or freezer. Just give it a good stir and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Is jambalaya spicy?

It depends on how much Cajun seasoning you use! If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Just start with a little and add more as needed!

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear friends! A Quick Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya that’s bursting with flavor and made with love. I hope it brings you just as much warmth and joy as it has brought my family and me over the years. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Feel free to comment below and share any personal twists you’ve made. Happy cooking!

Ultimate Quick Chicken Sausage Jambalaya Recipe Made Easy

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Prepare Quick Chicken Sausage Jambalaya with this easy recipe Enjoy a flavorpacked dish in no time Perfect for busy weeknight meals

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup long-grain rice

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced chicken thighs and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown.

Add the sliced sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook everything together until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

Add the rice, stir well, and bring to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.

If using peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serve it up, fluffing everything with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

A quick and hearty Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya packed with comforting flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Keywords: Jambalaya, Chicken, Sausage, Quick Recipe, One-Pot Meal