Description
Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, savory Cajun spices, the ‘Holy Trinity’ of bell peppers, onions, and celery, along with long-grain rice and tomatoes. It delivers bold, smoky flavors and warming comfort, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a family gathering. This versatile recipe is simple to customize and naturally gluten-free, offering a hearty, flavorful taste of Cajun culture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks (about 1.5 lbs)
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Liquids & Fats
- 2.5 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
Instructions
- Prep the “Holy Trinity” Vegetables: Chop the bell peppers, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them in olive oil or butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, creating the essential flavor base for the jambalaya.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, to lock in the juices and build a savory foundation.
- Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, coating the chicken and veggies evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma and flavors deepen.
- Incorporate Rice and Tomatoes: Pour in the long-grain rice and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring every grain of rice is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional Cajun spices as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use quality Cajun seasoning or make your own for the best flavor.
- Brown the chicken well to enhance taste and keep meat juicy.
- Don’t skip the Holy Trinity vegetables—they’re essential for authentic Cajun flavor and texture.
- Adjust cayenne gradually to control heat level to your preference.
- Let the jambalaya rest covered off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Cajun, Jambalaya, Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Spicy, Southern, Gluten-Free