Description
Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a bold, one-pot Southern classic loaded with juicy chicken, smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Cajun spices. It’s hearty, comforting, and brings a little Louisiana heat to your table with every bite.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 celery stalk, finely chopped (optional)
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Sear chicken until browned, then remove.
3. Add sliced sausage to the same pot and brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté until soft, then add garlic.
5. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
8. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
9. Add chicken and sausage back into the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
11. Fluff with fork, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Prep everything ahead of time to keep the cooking process smooth.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat and best texture.
Adjust the heat level to suit your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: jambalaya, cajun chicken, one-pot rice, southern food