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Quick Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

Quick Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

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

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

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

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