Epic Easy Homemade Creole Jambalaya with Chicken & Sausage

Ah, Jambalaya! Just saying the word makes me smile and brings back a swirl of memories. Picture this: it’s a warm evening in late August, the air is thick with the scent of spices and summer. My family gathers around the kitchen table, plates piled high with that fragrant, colorful dish—each bite bursting with flavor, a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and love. Creole Jambalaya, with its hearty chicken and zesty sausage, has become a favorite in our home, and I’m thrilled to share this easy homemade recipe with you!

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience. The mix of spices wafting through your kitchen, the vibrant colors dancing in your pot, and the delightful tastes—the hearty chicken, savory sausage, and a medley of veggies—are enough to transport you straight to the bayou. Plus, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly comforting, making it perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dig into this Flavorful Creole Jambalaya together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—great for weeknights!
• Budget-friendly, using staple ingredients.
• Rich, comforting flavors that please everyone.
• One-pot meal means easy cleanup!
• Customizable for dietary preferences and variations.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille is my favorite!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that punch of flavor!)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring the flavors of Creole cooking into your kitchen? Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. It should shimmer but not smoke. This is where the magic begins!
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, just a lovely golden hue will do.
3. Brown the Sausage: Toss in the sliced sausage and cook for another 4-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned. The flavor from the sausage will start to infuse your pot, and trust me, it smells incredible!
4. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Those “holy trinity” veggies are essential. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened.
5. Flavor it Up: Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. You want to catch that aroma—don’t let it linger too long, or it might burn!
6. Mix in the Tomatoes and Spices: Pour the diced tomatoes (with juice) into the pot and stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and some salt and pepper. Bring it all together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
7. Add the Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Simmer Away: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Don’t lift the lid too often; the steam helps cook the rice perfectly!
9. Check the Rice: After 25 minutes, check if the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it’s dry, feel free to add a splash more broth or water. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Garnish and Serve: Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hearty portions in bowls. This is the part where you can really let your excitement show—you’ve done it!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to switch things up or add your personal touch? Here are some playful variations to consider:

• Seafood Twist: Substitute shrimp for chicken or sausage. Just add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking!
• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat and amp up the veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Use vegetable broth instead.
• Spice Level: Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños!
• Toppings: Consider adding sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish on top.

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal feel even more special, serve your jambalaya with a side of crusty French bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A simple green salad or some sautéed greens complement the rich flavors nicely. As for drinks, why not enjoy a refreshing iced tea or a glass of crisp white wine? Trust me, it all comes together into a cozy, mouthwatering feast!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Oh yes, please! Store any unused jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing! When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of broth to help loosen it up and regain that delightful moisture.

FAQs

Can I make jambalaya ahead of time?

Absolutely! Jambalaya is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it the night before and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the difference between Creole and Cajun jambalaya?

Great question! Generally, Creole jambalaya includes tomatoes, while Cajun doesn’t. But the great news is that you can adapt this recipe however you like, depending on your taste!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so increase your simmering time by about 10-15 minutes and check for doneness.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a splash of hot sauce while cooking, or mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a more herbal note. The key is to taste as you go!

Is jambalaya spicy?

It can be, depending on the spices you use. If you prefer it milder, you can skip the cayenne or reduce the Cajun seasoning. It’s easy to adjust the heat to suit your palate!

Conclusion

I hope you give this Flavorful Creole Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage a try! It’s comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below or share your jambalaya creation on social media. Cooking is all about sharing love and experiences, and I’m thrilled to be part of yours. Happy cooking!

Epic Easy Homemade Creole Jambalaya with Chicken & Sausage

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this easy homemade jambalaya recipe featuring flavorful chicken & sausage. Perfect for a quick family dinner or gathering! 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 pound of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 pound of smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups of chicken broth

1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned.

Toss in the sliced sausage and cook for another 4-5 minutes until browned.

Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper.

Stir in the rice, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, check if the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Adjust with more broth if needed.

Remove the bay leaf, fluff the jambalaya with a fork, and serve with chopped parsley.

Notes

This delicious Creole Jambalaya combines hearty chicken, zesty sausage, and a medley of spices that creates a comforting one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Creole, Jambalaya, Chicken, Sausage, Easy Recipe, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal