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Flavorful Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Recipe with Spicy Cajun Kick Made Easy

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A quick and easy jambalaya recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky andouille sausage, and bold Cajun spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced (or kielbasa as a substitute)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of green and red)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell peppers, onions, and celery. Slice the andouille sausage and cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides but not cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pan. Stir occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
  5. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well to coat the veggies.
  6. Stir in rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with juice, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits.
  7. Return cooked sausage and chicken to the pan. Add bay leaf and gently stir to combine.
  8. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  9. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Let jambalaya rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Brown sausage and chicken well for flavor. Keep heat low during simmer to avoid scorching. Avoid over-stirring during simmer to prevent mushy rice. Add broth if rice dries out before fully cooked.

Nutrition

Keywords: jambalaya, chicken jambalaya, sausage jambalaya, Cajun recipe, spicy jambalaya, easy dinner, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/flavorful-chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya-recipe-with-spicy-cajun-kick-made-easy/