Fast And Easy Jambalaya
A flavorful and quick Southern-inspired dish featuring chicken, sausage, and vegetables simmered in spicy tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 c chopped onions ⓘ
- 12 oz smoked Polish sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 16 oz jar picante sauce ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz can Italian stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 oz can LeSueur small early peas, drained ⓘ
- 2 2/3 c hot cooked instant rice
Instructions
- Sprinkle lemon pepper and garlic powder over chicken cubes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Cook seasoned chicken in oil for 5 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped onions and sliced sausage to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in picante sauce and Italian stewed tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12 minutes.
- Add drained peas and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Serve the mixture over hot cooked instant rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it at the end to heat through. You can also swap the smoked Polish sausage for andouille sausage for a more traditional flavor. This recipe is flexible and can accommodate various protein options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot over the instant rice, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for added flavor and color. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Casey'S Chicken Dried Beef Casserole or a zesty coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the jambalaya in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast And Easy Jambalaya contains roughly 915 calories, with 33g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1808mg per serving (79% 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 the jambalaya ahead of time. Cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. It can be made up to 2 days in advance, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of instant rice?
If you prefer using regular rice, you can substitute it, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Use about 1 1/3 cups of uncooked long-grain rice, and follow the package instructions for cooking. Just be sure to add it to the mixture earlier to allow it to fully cook.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this jambalaya freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).