Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a hearty, flavorful one-pot dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky Andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Cajun spices simmered with rice in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Perfectly balanced with a bit of spice and rich textures, this classic Southern entrée is easy to prepare and serves a satisfying family meal in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Liquids and Others
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white rice
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse them with a spicy and flavorful base.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them until cooked on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In the same pot, add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until lightly crisped to develop a smoky flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and bell peppers until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas of the herbs and spices.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and white rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Meats: Return the browned chicken pieces and cooked sausage to the pot, stirring them evenly within the mixture.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage for authentic smoky Cajun flavor; kielbasa or smoked sausage can be used as substitutes.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
