Oven Jambalaya
Oven Jambalaya offers a hearty, flavorful combination of rice, chicken, salsa, and spices, perfect for a comforting family meal with a touch of Cajun flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and combine rice, chicken stock, salsa, onions, garlic, salt, peas, oregano, and coriander in a 3-quart casserole.
- Stir to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Arrange chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, approximately 45 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally adding Tabasco sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or substituting the mild salsa with a medium or hot variety. You can also replace the chicken breasts with sausage or shrimp for variation. Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced on the rice mixture to promote even cooking. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked chicken and reduce the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
This jambalaya is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with a side salad or crusty bread. A cool coleslaw pairs nicely, balancing the warm spices. For those who enjoy heat, provide extra Tabasco sauce on the side. This dish also shines alongside other chicken recipes for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to keep the rice moist and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Jambalaya contains roughly 242 calories, with 20g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% 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 use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 50-60 minutes to cook. You may also need to increase the amount of chicken stock to ensure the rice cooks properly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this jambalaya?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and consider adding beans for protein to create a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and vegetable mixture a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate it, then add the chicken and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).