Print

Flavor-Packed One-Pot Jambalaya Recipe Easy Homemade Cajun Dinner

one-pot jambalaya recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful one-pot jambalaya recipe featuring smoky sausage, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice infused with Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

  • Andouille sausage, sliced
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Green bell pepper, diced
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Celery stalks, diced
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: diced tomatoes
  • Long-grain white rice
  • Chicken broth or stock
  • Cajun seasoning blend
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: hot sauce
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, celery, and green bell pepper into roughly ¼-inch pieces. Slice the andouille sausage into ½-inch rounds. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sausage slices. Brown them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and fragrant. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside with sausage.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Stir and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Stir well to coat the veggies and release aromatic spices.
  6. Pour in 1 ½ cups (270g) of long-grain white rice. Stir to combine with the veggies and spices. Add 3 cups (720ml) of chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, and return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with the lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Avoid stirring too often to prevent mushy rice. Check if rice is tender and liquid absorbed; cook longer if needed.
  8. Once rice is tender and liquid absorbed, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce if desired. Fluff the jambalaya gently with a fork. Let it rest covered off the heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Spoon into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not stir the rice too often to avoid mushy texture. Browning the sausage and chicken properly adds depth and smokiness. Use the Cajun ‘holy trinity’ of bell peppers, onions, and celery for authentic flavor. Adjust spice levels to taste. Let the dish rest covered off heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: jambalaya, one-pot meal, Cajun, chicken, sausage, easy dinner, spicy rice, comfort food

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/flavor-packed-one-pot-jambalaya-recipe-easy-homemade-cajun-dinner/