Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya
A hearty and aromatic jambalaya featuring tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and classic Cajun spices slow-simmered with rice. This cajun-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs long grain white rice, chicken broth, medium green bell pepper, diced 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces and 8 oz sliced andouille sausage. Brown the meat for 5-6 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf and fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Sausage 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya?
Cajun chicken 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.
