One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, spicy Cajun one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and smoky sausage simmered with rice and vegetables. This southern-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs long grain white rice, chicken broth, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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: 40 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thighs and season with 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 12 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and fragrant. Remove and set aside with chicken.
  3. Step 3: Add diced 1 medium yellow onion, 1 medium green bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the vegetables and oil. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 14 oz diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya 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 One-Pot 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 long grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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 One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?

Southern 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.