Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Louisiana with our Cajun Harmony: Chicken Jambalaya. This one-pot wonder is packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices. It's a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion!
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 3g
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): 600g (1.32 lbs or 21 oz)
- Long Grain Rice: 300g (10.6 oz)
- Onion: 1 large (200g or 7 oz)
- Bell Peppers (mixed colors): 300g (10.6 oz)
- Celery: 100g (3.5 oz)
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Canned Tomatoes: 400g (14 oz)
- Chicken Stock: 750ml (26.4 oz)
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Andouille Sausage: 200g (7 oz)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Green Onions and Parsley: For garnish
Method of Preparation
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat oil. Sauté onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Cook Chicken and Sausage: Add diced chicken and sliced sausage. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in rice, canned tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff rice, adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent rice from sticking.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Add shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Absolutely! Shrimp or even tofu can be great substitutes.
- How do I know when the jambalaya is done? The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, use vegetable stock and replace meats with beans or extra vegetables.