Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a classic dish that captures the essence of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Originating from Louisiana, this hearty one-pot meal combines flavorful chicken, savory sausage, bell peppers, onions, and rice, all cooked in a rich, seasoned tomato base. With a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s great for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends.

What makes Jambalaya so special is its versatility. You can adjust the spice levels, switch up the meats, or add different vegetables, making it a customizable meal that can cater to everyone’s tastes. Whether you prefer it mild or extra spicy, Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is always a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Family Dinners
• Celebrations and Gatherings
• Meal Prep
• Comfort Food
• Spicy Food Lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cajun Chicken Jambalaya will become one of your go-to meals:

• Bold Flavors: The combination of Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage, and chicken creates a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both spicy and savory.
• One-Pot Meal: This dish is perfect for busy nights because everything is cooked in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or switch up the proteins by adding shrimp or pork sausage in place of chicken.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its bold flavors, Cajun Chicken Jambalaya comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a quick weekend dinner.
• Filling and Satisfying: With rice, vegetables, and protein, this dish is hearty and filling, making it a complete meal all on its own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450–500 calories
• Key Nutrients:
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cajun Chicken Jambalaya:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage (like Andouille sausage), sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or regular)
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs are the main protein in this dish, offering lean meat that soaks up the bold flavors of the seasoning and broth.
• Smoked Sausage: The sausage adds depth and smokiness, which is a key component of the Jambalaya flavor profile. Andouille sausage is the traditional choice, but you can use any smoked sausage.
• Cajun Seasoning: This mix of spices (including paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne) brings the heat and aromatic flavors that define Cajun cuisine.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for Jambalaya because it doesn’t clump together as much as short-grain rice, allowing it to absorb the flavorful broth evenly.
• Bell Pepper, Onion, Celery: These vegetables are the classic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, providing the base flavor and texture that complements the chicken and sausage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the sausage, and dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process faster and smoother.

2. Brown the Chicken and Sausage

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the sliced sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown and release its flavorful oils.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add the Rice and Seasonings

Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the sausage and vegetables. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the spices.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Check the rice occasionally to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sausage

Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir everything together, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well-combined and heated through, garnish the Cajun Chicken Jambalaya with freshly chopped green onions and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is best served as a one-pot meal, but you can pair it with various side dishes to complement the flavors:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the rich, spicy flavors of the Jambalaya.
• With Cornbread: A slice of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment, adding a slightly sweet and savory note that complements the spice in the dish.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans make a great side to balance the richness of the Jambalaya.

Additional Tips for Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Alternatively, if you love spicy food, you can add more cayenne or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
• Add Shrimp: For a classic “surf and turf” version of Jambalaya, you can add shrimp along with the chicken and sausage. Simply add the shrimp in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, you can use it in place of uncooked rice. Just add it with the chicken and sausage, and adjust the broth accordingly.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or peas. You can also add plant-based sausage for a more authentic texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cajun Chicken Jambalaya can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth.

Recipe Variations of Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

Here are some delicious variations of Cajun Chicken Jambalaya you can try:

1. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya: Add shrimp for a seafood twist, cooking it toward the end to prevent overcooking.
2. Smoked Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya: Use more smoked sausage and less chicken for a smokier flavor profile.
3. Vegetarian Jambalaya: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as okra, bell peppers, and corn, for a plant-based Jambalaya.
4. Spicy Jambalaya: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper and paprika to give your Jambalaya an extra kick.
5. Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet: Skip the rice cooking step and cook everything in a skillet, adding pre-cooked rice at the end.

Freezing and Storage for Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

• Freezing: Cajun Chicken Jambalaya freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQ Section for Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Andouille sausage is traditional, you can use any smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter version.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeño to increase the heat. Just taste as you go!

4. Can I make Jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and re

heat it when you’re ready to serve.

Print

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is the epitome of comfort food with bold flavors and satisfying textures. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a weeknight meal when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. Easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you serve it with cornbread, salad, or on its own, Cajun Chicken Jambalaya will always hit the spot. Enjoy!