Chicken Jambalaya(Soup)
Warm and hearty chicken jambalaya soup with savory vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion and celery in butter until golden in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Add chicken broth, rice, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Add cooked and chopped chicken and diced carrots; cook for 15 minutes more.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion and celery. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can work as substitutes, but you'll want to adjust the seasoning accordingly. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. If you're short on time, precooked rotisserie chicken makes an excellent shortcut for this Chicken Jambalaya recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Chicken Jambalaya soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside a light vegetable dish like steamed asparagus or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the soup if it thickens. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Jambalaya(Soup) contains roughly 859 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2214mg per serving (96% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the broth and cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it becomes tender. Adjust the liquid accordingly based on your rice package instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Jambalaya soup is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just ensure you store it properly in the fridge or freeze portions for longer storage.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
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).