Instant Pot Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 2 c.long-grain white rice
- 2 tsp.neutral oil
such as canola
- 12 oz.andouille or smoked sausage
cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1 mediumgreen bell pepper
seeds and ribs removed, chopped, about 1 c.
- ½ mediumyellow onion
chopped, about 1 c.
- 2 mediumstalks celery
chopped, about 3/4 c.
- 4 clovesgarlic
finely chopped
- 2dried bay leaves
- 2 tsp.worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp.dried thyme
- ½ tsp.freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tsp.cajun seasoning with salt
divided, or 2 tsp. salt-free cajun seasoning plus 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp.kosher salt
- 8 oz.boneless
skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
- 3 c.low-sodium chicken broth
- 4scallions
finely chopped
- tabasco hot sauce
for serving
Directions
- 1
In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse rice under cool running water until water runs clear.
- 2
Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” setting and heat oil. Cook sausage, stirring occasionally, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside.
- 3
In Instant Pot, combine bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire, thyme, pepper, and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning with salt (or 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning without salt plus 1 teaspoon salt). Cook, stirring frequently, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Season chicken with remaining 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning with salt (or 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning without salt and 1 teaspoon salt). Add chicken, rice, and broth to pot. Stir to combine, then press “Cancel” on the Instant Pot. Seal lid and set to “Pressure Cook” on High for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining steam.
- 5
Unlock lid and fluff with a fork. Add reserved sausage and mix to combine. Top with scallions. Serve with hot sauce alongside.
Instant Pot Jambalaya
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About this Recipe
Craving a taste of the Louisiana bayou without spending hours in the kitchen? This Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful Cajun classic, all ready to serve in just over an hour.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe leverages the magic of your Instant Pot to transform a traditionally long-simmering dish into an incredibly quick and easy meal. The pressure cooker ensures that the long-grain white rice, chicken, and sausage cook perfectly, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors, while simplifying the process to make it approachable for any home cook. It’s a true one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste.
What to Expect
Prepare for a deeply savory and satisfying experience with every spoonful. You'll find tender pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thigh and robust andouille or smoked sausage, all mingling with the aromatic "holy trinity" of green bell pepper, yellow onion, and celery. The long-grain white rice absorbs a rich broth, seasoned generously with Worcestershire, thyme, and a balanced Cajun seasoning, creating a comforting texture that’s hearty and full of zest. This is a robust dish that brings the warmth of Southern cooking directly to your table, perfect for a casual weeknight or a special gathering.
Customization & Variations
This Instant Pot Jambalaya is wonderfully adaptable. While chicken thighs and andouille or smoked sausage create a classic flavor profile, you can experiment with other proteins if you're comfortable with adjusting cook times. For those who love a kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or offer extra Tabasco hot sauce at the table. If you're sensitive to spice, use a milder Cajun seasoning and control the added salt.
Serving & Context
This generous recipe yields 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or for your next dinner party. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped scallions and a side of Tabasco for guests to customize their heat level.