Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a medium Cajun recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $20.38 total, $3.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, boneless skinless (cut into 1‑inch bite‑size pieces)
- 12 oz Andouille Sausage (sliced into 1‑inch pieces; smoked sausage can be used as substitute)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 Onion, medium (diced small)
- 1 cup Celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 cup Bell Pepper, green (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Garlic, minced (fresh minced or from jar)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 4.5 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 15 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 6 oz Tomato Paste (Italian style with basil, garlic, oregano)
- 2.5 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 pinches Salt (to taste)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onions, chop the celery and bell pepper, mince the garlic, slice the sausage, and cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces. Set everything aside in a bowl.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil and Sear Sausage
Place the Dutch oven on medium‑high heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, and let it heat for about 2 minutes. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until it begins to release its fat.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes until lightly browned on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high
Remove Meat
Transfer the cooked sausage and chicken to the mixing bowl and set aside. Leave the rendered juices in the pot.
Time: PT1M
Add More Oil and Sauté Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the pot, heat for 1 minute, then add the onions, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Incorporate Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle two pinches of salt. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Broth and Rice
Pour in the chicken broth, stir, then add the uncooked rice. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Bring to Boil then Simmer
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil (about 2 minutes). Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and set a timer for 30 minutes.
Time: PT32M
Temperature: medium
Finish and Garnish
After 30 minutes, check that the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat, let the jambalaya sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve.
Time: PT6M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, Gluten‑Free if gluten‑free sausage is used
Allergens: None (check sausage for possible gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast, boneless skinless: Chicken thighs
- Instead of Andouille Sausage: Smoked sausage, Andouille style kielbasa
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Celery stalks: carrot
- Instead of Bell Pepper, green: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic, minced: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: soy sauce (1 Tbsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (1.5 cup)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: regular tomato paste
- Instead of Long Grain White Rice: Basmati rice
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven (or heavy‑bottomed pot)
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Timer (phone or kitchen timer)
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the sausage first to render flavor
- Cooking the chicken only until browned to avoid over‑cooking later
- Sautéing the holy trinity vegetables until softened
- Stirring the pot at the 25‑minute mark to prevent rice from sticking
- Ensuring the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use long‑grain white rice for the best separate grains
- Sear the sausage and chicken in batches if the pot gets crowded to achieve better browning
- A splash of hot sauce at the end adds a nice kick without overwhelming the Cajun flavor
Troubleshooting
Rice is undercooked and still crunchy
Add an additional ¼ cup of chicken broth, cover, and simmer for another 5‑7 minutes.
Jambalaya is too watery
Uncover the pot and simmer for 5‑10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until excess liquid evaporates.
Rice stuck to the bottom and burned
Stir at the 25‑minute mark as instructed; if burning occurs, add a splash of broth and lower the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and chop all vegetables and meat up to 24 hours ahead; store in sealed containers in the fridge
- The jambalaya can be made a day ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
- Cook extra rice and store separately if you want to control texture when reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in Cajun cuisine?
Jambalaya originated in Louisiana among the Acadian (Cajun) settlers, blending French, Spanish, and African influences. It was traditionally a communal, one‑pot meal that stretched limited ingredients—rice, meat, and local vegetables—into a hearty feast, embodying the resourceful spirit of Cajun culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of jambalaya in Cajun cuisine?
In Cajun (or Creole) cooking, there are two main styles: "brown jambalaya" where the meat is browned and the rice is cooked in the same pot, and "red jambalaya" (or "Cajun jambalaya") that includes tomatoes for a richer color. Some regions add shrimp or use turkey instead of chicken.
How is authentic Cajun jambalaya traditionally served in Louisiana?
Authentic Cajun jambalaya is served hot straight from the pot, often with a side of crusty French bread, a simple green salad, and a cold glass of iced tea or a local craft beer. It’s common to garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
What occasions or celebrations is Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya traditionally associated with in Cajun culture?
Jambalaya is a staple at family gatherings, Mardi Mardi celebrations, fish‑fries, and backyard barbecues in Cajun communities. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for feeding large crowds during festivals and holiday feasts.
What makes Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya special or unique in Cajun cuisine?
The dish combines the "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and bell pepper with smoky andouille sausage and seasoned chicken, all simmered with rice and broth. This layering of flavors creates a deep, comforting profile that is both hearty and aromatic—hallmarks of Cajun cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include boneless chicken, andouille sausage, long‑grain rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and Cajun spices. Substitutes can be smoked sausage for andouille, turkey or shrimp for chicken, and low‑sodium broth if desired.
What other Cajun dishes pair well with Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?
Serve jambalaya alongside classic Cajun sides such as cornbread, red beans and rice, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A chilled glass of sweet tea or a light lager complements the spice level nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?
Common errors include over‑crowding the pot when searing meat (which prevents browning), not stirring the rice during the first 25 minutes (causing it to stick), and using too much broth which makes the dish soupy. Also, avoid under‑cooking the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.
Why does this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya recipe use a two‑step searing of meat instead of adding everything at once?
Searing the sausage and chicken first renders their fats and builds a deep flavor base. Adding them later prevents over‑cooking the chicken during the long simmer and ensures the rice absorbs the seasoned broth without becoming greasy.
Can I make Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the jambalaya can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
What does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specialize in?
The YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specializes in simple, flavorful Southern and Cajun-inspired grilling and one‑pot meals, focusing on practical techniques that make bold, smoky dishes accessible to home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?
Smokin' & Grillin with AB emphasizes minimal prep and one‑pot efficiency, using everyday pantry staples and clear step‑by‑step narration, whereas many other Cajun channels may focus on more elaborate, multi‑pot preparations or deep‑dive cultural histories.
Last updated: August 29, 2026








