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Quick Jambalaya Recipe Easy One-Pot Meal for Busy Weeknights

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A quick and easy one-pot jambalaya recipe combining smoky sausage, tender chicken, and perfectly spiced rice, ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and flexible to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery; mince the garlic; slice sausage; and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic in the last minute to prevent burning.
  4. Add chicken pieces to the pot with vegetables. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in rice, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, and a pinch more salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the rice slightly without burning.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return browned sausage to the pot and stir gently. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and fluff jambalaya gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

If rice isn’t done after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and simmer a few more minutes. If too wet, leave lid off for a couple of minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Use chicken thighs for juicier texture. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. Soak pot immediately after cooking for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: jambalaya, quick jambalaya, one-pot meal, chicken jambalaya, andouille sausage, Creole recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/quick-jambalaya-recipe-easy-one-pot-meal-for-busy-weeknights/