Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pot Louisiana classic featuring chicken, andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a smoky tomato base. This cajun-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, andouille sausage, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Cajun cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 chopped large onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped celery stalk to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 cup long-grain rice, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until rice is coated.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the pot and add 1 lb sliced andouille sausage. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring once halfway through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?

Cajun one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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