One-Pot Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille
A hearty one-pot jambalaya loaded with spiced chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and tender rice, delivering a classic Cajun flavor in an easy meal. This cajun-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow 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 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds andouille sausage
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can, undrained diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2, sliced for garnish scallions
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and fragrant. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Step 3: Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 6: Return the browned chicken and andouille to the pot, nestling into the rice mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
- Step 8: Fluff jambalaya with a fork and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille 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 Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille?
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 One-Pot Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille?
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 Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille 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 One-Pot Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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