Jambalaya with Chicken Sausage (Printable version)
A vibrant Creole dish with tender chicken, beef sausage, vegetables, and perfectly cooked seasoned rice.
# List of ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 8 oz beef sausage (smoked sausage or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Rice and Seasonings
09 - 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
10 - 3 cups chicken broth
11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
12 - 2 tsp paprika
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
16 - 1 tsp salt
17 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
18 - 2 bay leaves
→ Garnish
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - 2 spring onions, sliced
21 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
02 - Add beef sausage to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
03 - Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño (if using) to the same pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices.
05 - Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with juices and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
06 - Pour in rice and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly, scraping bottom to release browned bits.
07 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley, spring onions, and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The entire meal comes together in one pot, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
- It feeds a crowd easily and actually tastes better the next day
02 -
- I once skipped rinsing the rice and ended up with a gummy mess instead of distinct grains
- Letting it rest covered is not optional, that step is what ensures the rice finishes evenly
03 -
- Toast the rice in the pot for a minute before adding liquid for a nuttier flavor
- Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking, the process moves quickly once you begin