New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage
A spicy, comforting rice dish simmered with Andouille sausage, chicken, and Creole seasonings for authentic Southern flavor. This american-inspired rice & grains ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, Andouille sausage, sliced, boneless chicken thighs, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 lb diced boneless chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, coating it in the oil and vegetables for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes. Add 2 tbsp Creole seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Return the cooked Andouille sausage to the pot.
- Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaf and stir in 1/4 cup chopped scallions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage?
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 New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage?
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 New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage 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 New Orleans-Style Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage?
American 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.
