Spiced Creole Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage
A hearty Creole rice dish simmered with smoked andouille sausage, chicken, and a blend of classic Cajun spices. This american-inspired rice & grains ready in about 60 minutes pairs andouille sausage, sliced, boneless chicken thighs, diced, long grain white rice 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
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp creole seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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 fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb diced boneless chicken thighs to the pot and sauté for 6-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced green bell pepper, 1 cup diced celery, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp creole seasoning, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaf, fluff the jambalaya with a fork, and serve hot garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Creole Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Spiced Creole 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 andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Creole 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 Spiced Creole 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 Spiced Creole 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.