Slow-Cooked Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken
A hearty Louisiana-style jambalaya slow-cooked with smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and the holy trinity of Cajun vegetables. This caribbean-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs andouille sausage, sliced, olive oil, medium onion, 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
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz diced tomatoes, canned
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and some fat is rendered.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 diced onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 2 bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Step 6: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaves, fluff rice with a fork, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked Cajun Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and Chicken?
Caribbean 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.
