Looking for a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal? Look no further than this classic Cajun dish, Chicken Jambalaya. Packed with chicken, veggies, and spicy sausage, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The secret is in the bold blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, that infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor. It’s no wonder this dish has become a household favorite and a staple of Louisiana cuisine. Don’t just take our word for it, try making this recipe yourself and experience the deliciousness firsthand!
Here is why you might love this Chicken Jambalaya Recipe
1. Bold and complex flavors: This recipe is packed with flavorful ingredients like Cajun spices, smoked sausage, and bell peppers that create a delicious combination of savory and spicy flavors.
2. Easy one-pot meal: This recipe is a great option for a busy weeknight meal as it requires minimal prep work and can be made in one pot, saving time and effort.
3. Versatility: The recipe can be customized to suit individual preferences or dietary restrictions, making it a versatile option for a variety of people. It can be made with chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian ingredients and adjusted to be gluten-free or low-carb.
Chicken Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound (453.6 g) chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper
- 1 cup (151.2 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (238.4 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (187.7 g) white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped bell peppers, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté until tender.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet and stir.
- Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Main Ingredients | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | A protein source used in the dish. | Shrimp, sausage, turkey, tofu |
| Rice | The base of the dish, providing carbohydrates. | Quinoa, barley, farro |
| Tomatoes | A key ingredient providing acidity and flavor. | Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, fresh diced tomatoes |
Storage Tips
Cooked chicken and rice dishes like jambalaya can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To store cooked jambalaya in the fridge, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag immediately after cooking and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it.
To freeze jambalaya, wait for it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, and label with the date. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To defrost jambalaya, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can defrost it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once thawed, reheat the jambalaya until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
Recipe Variations
1. Shrimp Jambalaya – Replace the chicken with shrimp and use seafood stock instead of chicken stock to make a delicious seafood version of the dish.
2. Vegetarian Jambalaya – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as okra, bell peppers, celery, corn, and tomatoes.
3. Creole Jambalaya – This version uses tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes, and can include a mix of meat like sausage and ham with chicken.
4. Cajun Jambalaya – Similar to the Creole version, Cajun Jambalaya features more spice and uses Andouille sausage as the main protein.
5. Slow Cooker Jambalaya – Using a slow cooker, this recipe takes the fuss out of making Jambalaya, allowing for it to be cooked low and slow until the flavors are melded together.
6. Smoked Jambalaya – Incorporating smoked meats like chicken or sausage adds an additional layer of flavor to the dish.
7. Instant Pot Jambalaya – Similar to the slow cooker version, this recipe uses an Instant Pot to make the dish quickly and easily, while still producing a hearty and delicious meal.
What To Serve With
Here are some options for what to serve with Chicken Jambalaya:
1. Cornbread or garlic bread
2. Steamed or grilled vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
3. Garden or Caesar salad with a vinaigrette dressing
4. Fried okra
5. Coleslaw
6. Sweet potato fries
7. Cheesy grits
8. Dirty rice
9. Red beans and rice
10. Crab cakes or seafood gumbo for a seafood twist.
We are dedicated to providing the best and most effective meal plans to help you stay on track with your goals. Our team constantly tests and experiments with different recipes and approaches to ensure our offerings are of the highest quality. We also collaborate with a network of nutrition and data experts from around the globe to bring you innovative and advanced meal plans.