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Cajun Chicken Jambalaya

Cajun Chicken Jambalaya
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A quick and easy Cajun Chicken Jambalaya bursting with bold, spicy Southern flavors. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, savory Cajun spices, and fluffy rice for a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Grains and Canned Goods

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and more)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional: hot sauce or cayenne pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic finely for even cooking and flavor release. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Mix in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the vegetables and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices and enhance aroma.
  4. Incorporate Rice and Tomatoes: Stir the long grain rice into the pot and let it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes while absorbing flavors. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice to add moisture and tang.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot, add chicken broth, and stir everything together. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, around 20-25 minutes.
  6. Final Touches: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired. Let the dish stand covered for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld fully.

Notes

  • Use the holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery for authentic flavor.
  • Brown the chicken well for added depth and texture.
  • Don’t rush the simmer; allow rice enough time to absorb flavors and cook evenly.
  • Adjust spice gradually to suit your heat preference.
  • Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions brighten the dish at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, Jambalaya, Chicken, One-pot, Spicy, Southern, Easy dinner, Quick meal, Gluten free

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