Easy One Pot Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
plus more if/as desired
- 1 large white or yellow onion
diced small
- 1 large green bell pepper
seeded and diced small
- 1 large red bell pepper
seeded and diced small
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic
finely minced or pressed
- 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
diced into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces cooked U-shaped sausage link
sliced into bite-sized pieces, kielbasa, Polish sausage, turkey sausage, etc.
- two 10-ounce cans Rotel* or similar canned diced tomatoes and green chiles
See Notes
- three 8-ounce packets precooked Ready Rice such as Uncle Ben's or 6 cups previously cooked rice**
See Notes
- or to taste ***, See Notes2 to 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- or to taste2 teaspoons kosher salt
- or to taste1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- optional and to taste1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Green onions
sliced thin; optional for garnishing
Directions
- 1
To a large Dutch oven or similar deep, heavy-bottomed pot, add the olive oil, onion, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- 2
Add the green peppers and and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- 3
Add the red peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring intermittently. If at any time the mixture seems at all dry, add additional olive oil.
- 4
Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 5
Note - If you like very well-browned chicken and sausage, sauté them in a separate pan, starting first with the chicken, then add the sausage about 3 minutes later, and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and the proteins are as browned as desired, then transfer them back into the Dutch oven with the onions and peppers. However, because we are not fanatical about it, and I like the ease of one-pot recipes, no transferring food back and forth, I do it all in one pot.
- 6
Add the chicken to the onions and peppers, and add more olive oil if desired. Stir and flip intermittently for about 3 to 4 minutes before adding the sausage.
- 7
Add the sausage, and stir and flip intermittently for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is lightly cooked.
- 8
Add the rice (if using packets of Ready Rice I like to heat the in the microwave according to the packet directions before adding it to the Dutch oven because it helps soften up the rice nicely and warms it through). If using precooked leftover cold rice, let it sit out at room temp before adding it to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine.
- 9
Add the Rotel and stir to combine.
- 10
Evenly sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, to taste (start slowly at first if you're sensitive to spices)***, salt, pepper, and stir to combine.
- 11
Allow mixture to come up to just barely boiling, or until all ingredients have been warmed through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- 12
Taste the jambalaya and if desired, add more Cajun seasoning (likely if you started with just 1-2 tablespoons), additional salt (if it tastes at all flat or boring, most likely it needs salt too not just spice/heat so add it and remember the saltiness of your Rotel as well as your sausage will effect this) as well as additional pepper if desired.
- 13
Optional add the lemon juice (brights up the dish) and optionally garnish with green onions to taste. Serve immediately.
- 14
Jambalaya will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.**** (See Notes)
Easy One Pot Jambalaya
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss? This Easy One Pot Jambalaya delivers a satisfying taste of the South right to your kitchen, proving that authentic flavors don't have to mean hours of cooking or a mountain of dishes. You'll love how simple it is to prepare, perfect for any weeknight.
The brilliance of this jambalaya lies in its one-pot design and the clever use of precooked rice. This smart combination significantly cuts down on cooking time and ensures a perfectly textured dish every time. You'll appreciate how the rich, savory flavors meld together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and leaving more time to enjoy your meal.
Prepare for a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with the aromatic tastes of the bayou. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of tender, diced chicken breast, savory sliced sausage, and crisp-tender bell peppers, all coated in a rich, spicy sauce. The Rotel and generous amount of Cajun seasoning infuse every bite with a deep, satisfying flavor that truly warms you from the inside out. The precooked rice forms a comforting base, soaking up all the delicious juices for a truly fulfilling experience.
This recipe offers great flexibility for customizing to your taste. You can easily swap the boneless skinless chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer. Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to achieve your desired spice level—use less for a milder dish or more for an extra kick. If you don't have Rotel, simply use any canned diced tomatoes with green chiles. For the rice, ensure you have 6 cups of previously cooked rice on hand if you're not using the convenient Ready Rice packets.
This Easy One Pot Jambalaya is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying meal on a chilly evening. Serve it hot, perhaps garnished with fresh, sliced green onions for a touch of brightness and a vibrant presentation.