Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken
A hearty and aromatic one-pot Cajun jambalaya combining smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and long-grain rice simmered with tomatoes and spices. This latin american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs long-grain white rice, medium yellow onion, diced, medium green bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 lb diced boneless chicken thighs and season with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, coating the grains with the vegetables and oil for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 bay leaf. Return the cooked andouille sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 6: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove bay leaf.
- Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken?
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 long-grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken?
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 Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken 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 Classic Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken?
Latin American 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.