Easy jambalaya recipe - One pot

Easy jambalaya recipe - One pot is a medium Cajun recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Off the Chain with Joe on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $17.15 total, $4.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (seeded and fine‑diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (cut in half lengthwise then fine‑diced)
  • 1 Large Onion (peeled and fine‑diced)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 12 oz Andouille Sausage (cut into ½‑inch pieces)
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Water (can substitute with chicken broth for richer flavor)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp Parsley Flakes
  • 1 tbsp Chicken Base (Bouillon) (if using water instead of broth)
  • 2 Green Onions (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for browning)

Instructions

  1. Dice the vegetables

    Seed the green bell pepper and dice it fine; halve the celery stalks and dice them; peel and fine‑dice the large onion.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep garlic and sausage

    Mince the garlic cloves. Cut the Andouille sausage into ½‑inch pieces and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Trim and cube chicken

    Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs, then cut into 1‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Season chicken

    Toss the chicken cubes with a pinch of the roasted garlic herb blend (or simply salt and pepper).

    Time: PT1M

  5. Brown the sausage

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in the pot over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage pieces in a single layer and cook until all sides are nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  6. Brown the chicken

    Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the same pot, spreading them out. Let cook without stirring for 3‑4 minutes to develop a crust, then turn and brown the other side, about 5 minutes total. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  7. Sauté the vegetables

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil if needed, then add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4‑5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Add garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Incorporate tomato paste

    Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, stir to coat the vegetables, and cook for another 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Add rice

    Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the tomato‑vegetable mixture.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  11. Add liquids and seasonings

    Pour in 2 cups water (or chicken broth) and add the chicken base, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and parsley flakes. Stir well.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high heat

  12. Simmer covered

    Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with the lid, and let simmer for 18 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: low simmer

  13. Finish cooking uncovered

    Remove the lid and cook for an additional 3 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  14. Re‑add sausage and chicken

    Stir the browned sausage, chicken, and any juices back into the pot. Heat through for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  15. Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle chopped green onions over the jambalaya, serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: gluten‑free, dairy‑free, nut‑free, high‑protein

Allergens: pork, chicken

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Easy jambalaya recipe - One pot

Recipe by Off the Chain with Joe

A hearty one‑pot Cajun classic featuring browned chicken thighs, smoky Andouille sausage, colorful bell pepper, celery, and onion tossed with rice and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for a family dinner and made entirely in a single pot.

MediumCajunServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.15
Total cost
$4.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the Andouille sausage to develop flavor
  • Browning the chicken thighs without moving them too early
  • Scraping up the fond from the bottom of the pot while sautéing vegetables
  • Simmering covered until the liquid is mostly absorbed
  • Final garnish with fresh green onions

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in Cajun cuisine?

A

Jambalaya originated in Louisiana as a Creole and Cajun adaptation of Spanish paella, combining rice with locally available proteins like chicken, pork sausage, and seafood. It became a staple for community gatherings and celebrations, embodying the region’s blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of jambalaya in Cajun cuisine?

A

In Cajun (or "country") jambalaya, the rice is cooked with the meat and vegetables in one pot, often using smoked sausage and chicken. The Creole version, called "red jambalaya," adds tomatoes and may include seafood. Both styles reflect the resources of their respective regions.

cultural
Q

How is authentic chicken and sausage jambalaya traditionally served in Louisiana?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the pot, topped with chopped green onions or parsley, and accompanied by crusty French bread or cornbread. A side of hot sauce is common, and the dish is often enjoyed at family gatherings or community festivals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken and sausage jambalaya traditionally associated with in Cajun culture?

A

Jambalaya is a go‑to dish for Mardi Gras celebrations, crawfish boils, backyard barbecues, and any large family gathering where feeding a crowd is needed. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for outdoor cooking and communal meals.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken and sausage jambalaya special or unique in Cajun cuisine?

A

The dish’s hallmark is the "holy trinity" of bell pepper, onion, and celery combined with smoky Andouille sausage and tender chicken, all simmered with rice that absorbs the seasoned broth, creating a deeply layered, comforting flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and sausage jambalaya?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pot when browning meat (which prevents proper caramelization), stirring the rice during the simmer (which can make it mushy), and using too much liquid, which leaves the rice under‑cooked. Follow the browning and simmer steps carefully for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe use a covered simmer for 15‑20 minutes before uncovering?

A

Covering traps steam, allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavored liquid. Uncovering at the end helps evaporate any excess moisture, giving the jambalaya a fluffy, non‑soggy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make chicken and sausage jambalaya ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my chicken and sausage jambalaya is done?

A

The rice should be tender but not mushy, each grain separate, and the dish should have a deep reddish‑brown color from the tomato paste and browned meat. The vegetables should be softened, and the chicken and sausage should be fully cooked and juicy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Off the Chain with Joe specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Off the Chain with Joe focuses on approachable, high‑energy home cooking tutorials that highlight bold, comfort‑food recipes often rooted in Southern and Cajun traditions, with an emphasis on one‑pot meals and practical kitchen hacks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Off the Chain with Joe's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

Off the Chain with Joe blends fast‑paced, personality‑driven presentation with clear, step‑by‑step instructions, often simplifying traditional techniques for the home cook while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many other Cajun channels focus more on traditional methods and detailed cultural backstory.

channel

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