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Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya
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Cajun Chicken Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot Southern classic combining tender chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, long-grain rice, and a bold Cajun spice blend. This hearty and comforting dish delivers a perfect balance of spices, vegetables, and protein, making it an ideal, soul-warming meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

Grains

  • 1.5 cups long-grain rice

Liquids & Oils

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, and bell pepper so they are ready to sauté. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and lightly marinate with a pinch of Cajun seasoning to enhance flavor.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and brown slightly to lock in juices.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute to release their aromatic oils and deepen the dish’s flavor.
  4. Incorporate Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add the long-grain rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to distribute the rice evenly and ensure it is submerged in liquid.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the jambalaya simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring frequently to prevent mushy rice.
  6. Final Taste and Serve: Taste the jambalaya and adjust seasoning with salt or additional Cajun spice as needed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra richness and flavor.
  • Don’t rush the sauté; browning the vegetables and chicken properly develops deeper flavors.
  • Layer the Cajun seasoning in multiple steps for balanced heat.
  • Let the jambalaya rest covered for 5-10 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.
  • Choose a quality chicken broth to enhance umami and overall taste complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken jambalaya, one pot meal, Southern cuisine, spicy chicken and rice, comfort food, gluten free jambalaya

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