Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya
A hearty and flavorful Creole dish featuring tender chicken, smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and spices simmered together to create a comforting one-pot meal. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 5 ribs celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 to 4 pounds chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups rice ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 pounds smoked sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and celery in oil over low heat until tender.
- Add chopped garlic and parsley, cook for an additional minute.
- Remove the sautéed vegetables from the pot.
- Brown the chicken breasts slowly in the remaining oil.
- Add chicken bouillon, cooked vegetables, rice, salt, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1 hour.
- Add smoked sausage slices to the pot and continue cooking until heated through.
- Adjust water and salt as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or a bay leaf during cooking. If you want to reduce the heat, omit the cayenne pepper or substitute it with a milder spice. You can also swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with hearty vegetables and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for garnish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For an extra kick, consider serving it with a side of hot sauce. This dish is also delightful when enjoyed with a glass of chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya contains roughly 886 calories, with 41g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), iron (174% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2642mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this jambalaya in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
What type of rice works best for jambalaya?
Long-grain rice is ideal for jambalaya as it stays fluffy and separates well during cooking. You can use basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant alternative. Avoid using sticky rice varieties, as they can make the dish too clumpy.
Can I substitute the sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage for a lighter option or omit it entirely for a vegetarian jambalaya. For a unique twist, consider adding chorizo or andouille sausage for extra flavor. Adjust the spices accordingly to match your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).