Classic New Orleans Creole Jambalaya

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty Creole jambalaya featuring smoky sausage, tender chicken, and fragrant spices simmered with rice for a soulful Louisiana favorite. This creole-inspired rice & grains ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced onion, medium, diced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Creole cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 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 fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large diced onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp Creole seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic New Orleans Creole Jambalaya 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 New Orleans Creole 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic New Orleans Creole 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 Classic New Orleans Creole 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 Classic New Orleans Creole Jambalaya?

Creole rice & grains 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.