Quick And Easy Rice Jambalaya
A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish combining savory sausage, tender chicken, okra, and aromatic Creole seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this quick jambalaya offers a comforting taste of Louisiana with a balanced blend of spices and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen cut okra, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. andouille or other smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 small green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can Cajun-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Creole seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage slices; cook and stir until lightly browned.
- Add chicken cubes, chopped onion, green pepper strips, celery, and minced garlic; cook and stir until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, thawed okra, tomato sauce, and Cajun seasoning; bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice; cover the skillet.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Stir to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the dish. You can substitute the andouille sausage with turkey sausage or omit it for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, include some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Using leftover cooked rice can save time but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Easy Chicken Noodle Soup as a starter or alongside a refreshing Caribbean Pumpkin Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Rice Jambalaya contains roughly 386 calories, with 13g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 jambalaya ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the rice, then cool and store it. When you're ready to serve, reheat and add the rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use shrimp or any firm fish instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Can I freeze jambalaya?
Absolutely! Let the jambalaya cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet or 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).