Uncle Jim'S Jambalaya
Uncle Jim's Jambalaya is a hearty, flavorful dish combining smoked sausage, ham, chicken, and vegetables with Cajun spices, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked sausage or Polish sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked ham, diced
- 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun Magic Poultry Magic ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. Cajun Magic Poultry Magic ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled, chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over high heat.
- Add sausage and ham; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir frequently to combine ingredients.
- Add bay leaves, Poultry Magic, and 1/2 cup each of chopped onion, celery, and green pepper.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the smoked sausage with chorizo for a different flavor profile. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, canned tomatoes work well. Additionally, using a mix of different colored bell peppers can enhance the dish's visual appeal. Remember to adjust the seasoning based on the saltiness of your sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Uncle Jim's Jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a refreshing coleslaw or cornbread. This dish is also great for meal prep, similar to Chicken and Vegies Casserole, allowing for easy lunches throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Jim'S Jambalaya contains roughly 803 calories, with 18g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 954mg per serving (41% 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 in this jambalaya?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Aim for about 3 to 4 cups of chicken stock and adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice is tender.
What can I add to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also incorporate beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to maintain the flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of my jambalaya?
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some of the Cajun spices beforehand. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra depth of flavor. Cooking the ingredients in stages, allowing them to brown, will also create a richer taste.
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).