The Best Quick Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe For Dinner

Whipping up a hearty chicken and sausage jambalaya promises a culinary adventure that’ll transport you straight to the vibrant streets of new orleans.

Spices dance through this one-pot wonder, creating layers of robust flavors.

Bold ingredients merge seamlessly in a symphony of textures and aromas.

Louisiana’s iconic dish brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, each bite tells a story of rich cultural heritage.

Local traditions shine through in this simple yet magnificent meal.

You’ll find yourself craving every single spoonful of this incredible southern classic.

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Quick Guide

• Combines spicy sausage, tender chicken, and zesty Cajun seasoning to create a mouthwatering one-pot wonder that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward instructions mean even novice cooks can confidently create an impressive, restaurant-quality dish without stress.
• Versatile recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, with customizable spice levels and hearty ingredients everyone will love.

Key Ingredients for Quick Jambalaya Recipe

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat in this jambalaya.
• Sausage: Adds rich flavor and enhances the traditional jambalaya taste profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: A classic Cajun flavor base that creates depth and aromatic foundation for the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and savory undertone to the jambalaya.

• Rice: The core grain that serves as the primary starch and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for cooking the rice and blending ingredients.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers the signature spicy and robust Louisiana-style flavor.
• Thyme: Contributes an earthy and slightly minty herb note.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a non-stick cooking surface.

• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green finishing touch and adds visual appeal.

How to Cook Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the Saute function.

Drop in sliced sausage and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, releasing those delicious smoky flavors.

Scoop out the sausage and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Garlic

Saute these aromatic ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, creating a delicious foundation for your jambalaya.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the vegetable mixture.

Sear the chicken for a few minutes, allowing it to develop a light golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Create the Jambalaya Blend

• Rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Dish

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual or Pressure Cook mode.

Cook for 8 minutes, making sure the vent is sealed to trap all the incredible flavors inside.

Step 6: Release and Rest

After cooking completes, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

Then quickly release any remaining pressure to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Gently fluff the rice and fold in the reserved sausage.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, complex flavors of your homemade jambalaya.

Jambalaya Cooking Tips You’ll Appreciate

• Use andouille sausage for an authentic Cajun kick that elevates the jambalaya's traditional taste profile.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and perfectly cooked.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to match your heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for personalized spiciness.
• Chop vegetables and slice sausage in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.
• Store jambalaya in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.

Reheating and Storing This Flavorful Dish

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the jambalaya stays fresh and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled jambalaya to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour jambalaya into a skillet, add a little broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and rice regains moisture.

Sides That Pair Nicely with Jambalaya

• Spice Up with Zinfandel: Rich, bold Zinfandel wine complements the spicy Cajun flavors, enhancing the jambalaya's robust taste profile and cutting through the dish's hearty textures.
• Cool Down with Crisp Lager: Light, refreshing beer like a Louisiana-brewed lager perfectly balances the jambalaya's heat, providing a clean palate cleanser between spicy bites.
• Southern Comfort Cocktail Pairing: Classic Sazerac cocktail from New Orleans matches the dish's regional roots, with rye whiskey and bitters creating a complementary flavor experience that celebrates Louisiana cuisine.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Bright, tangy citrus salad with orange and grapefruit segments offers a cool, acidic contrast to the rich, spicy jambalaya, balancing the meal's intense flavors and providing a refreshing accompaniment.

Spice and Protein Swaps for Jambalaya

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini for robust flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower. Maintain the same spice blend and cooking method, creating a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Seafood Jambalaya: Substitute chicken with shrimp, crawfish, or a mix of seafood. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking delicate proteins and maintain tender seafood texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like Cajun seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free. Use long-grain white or brown rice that's guaranteed gluten-free, keeping the traditional jambalaya flavor profile intact.

FAQs

• What makes Jambalaya a popular Louisiana dish?

Jambalaya is a hearty one-pot meal that combines rice, meat, and vegetables, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of Louisiana, including French, Spanish, and African cuisines.

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken and sausage, you can easily substitute with shrimp, andouille sausage, or even add some ham to create your own flavor profile.

• Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning varies in heat, but most blends offer a medium spice level. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use less seasoning or choose a mild version to control the heat.

• Do I need special equipment to make this jambalaya?

An Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also prepare jambalaya in a traditional pot or Dutch oven by adjusting cooking times and techniques.

Quick Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Louisiana chicken & sausage jambalaya beckons with bold Creole flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty rice, tender meats, and zesty seasonings combine in one skillet for a soulful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (450 grams) smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot by activating the sauté function and heating olive oil for approximately 60 seconds.
2. Brown sliced sausage until edges crisp and develop a rich caramel color, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Sauté aromatic vegetables – onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic – until they become translucent and release their fragrant oils, about 4 minutes.
4. Introduce chicken pieces into the pot, cooking until exterior turns golden and slightly sealed, around 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly mix ingredients to ensure even distribution.
6. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is positioned to sealing. Initiate pressure cooking at high temperature for 8 minutes.
7. After cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining steam.
8. Gently fluff the jambalaya, folding in previously browned sausage to distribute flavors evenly.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot, capturing the vibrant Creole-inspired essence of the dish.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning for heat-sensitive palates.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to create a versatile protein alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a sticky texture in the final dish.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the jambalaya.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg