Print

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya
Print Recipe

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, Cajun spices, and rice into a comforting, spicy dish inspired by Louisiana cooking. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe delivers rich, balanced flavors with a bit of a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, diced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and oregano)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers, celery, and onions finely to release their maximum flavor during cooking. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and keep your spices ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat your olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers, cooking until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes—forming the aromatic foundation.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan, seasoning with Cajun spices. Sear until the pieces are golden on all sides and mostly cooked through. This locks in juices and starts developing that rich, deep flavor.
  4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the garlic and cook for about one minute, then pour in the diced tomatoes. Let it simmer to combine the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce, enhancing that inviting aroma.
  5. Incorporate Rice and Broth: Pour in the rice, stirring well to coat every grain in the spicy mixture. Next, add chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot.
  6. Cook Until Rice is Tender: Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice will absorb the flavorful broth, swelling up into a tender, slightly creamy texture.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more Cajun spice or salt to your liking. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, then serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Layer Your Flavors: Brown ingredients separately when possible to deepen the dish’s complexity.
  • Use the Holy Trinity: Celery, onion, and bell peppers are non-negotiable for authentic taste.
  • Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the chicken before simmering brings out maximum flavor.
  • Watch the Rice: Avoid stirring too often once the rice is cooking to prevent mushiness.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the jambalaya to sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving for flavors to settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Jambalaya, Spicy, One-Pot, Louisiana, Comfort Food, Cajun Seasoning, Dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/cajun-chicken-jambalaya/