French Settlement Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun-inspired jambalaya with tender chicken, spicy sausage, and aromatic spices, perfect for hearty gatherings and those craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown thinly sliced sausage.
- Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same drippings, brown seasoned chicken pieces until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside with the sausage.
- In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and raw rice for about 5 minutes.
- Add dissolved chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
- Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot.
- Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is tender, adding water as necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. If you're out of chicken bouillon cubes, you can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth for a richer flavor. Make sure to keep the rice stirring to prevent sticking, and feel free to throw in some frozen peas or okra for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or additional green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Cream Of Sorrel Soup(Szczaw) for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth and microwave until heated through, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Settlement Jambalaya contains roughly 683 calories, with 26g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (315% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (278% of the Daily Value), and iron (179% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% 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 be aware that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the boiling water and cooking duration accordingly to ensure that the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I add to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and sausage. Instead, use vegetable broth in place of the chicken bouillon and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kidney beans to enhance flavor and texture.
How spicy is this jambalaya?
The heat level of this jambalaya largely depends on the hot sausage used. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for sweet sausage or reduce the amount of pepper added. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like extra spice.
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).