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Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
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Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a flavorful, one-pot Cajun dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and spices. Cooked quickly in an Instant Pot, this hearty meal offers a perfect balance of bold Southern flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup, ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains & Legumes

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed

Liquids & Brooks

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Spices & Herbs

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Sausage and Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the sliced smoked sausage until it releases its flavorful oils. Remove and set aside. Then, brown the seasoned chicken thigh pieces in the pot, sealing in their juices to build a rich flavor base.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onions, celery, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, forming the aromatic heart of the jambalaya.
  3. Add Rice, Liquids, and Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves. Return the browned sausage and chicken to the pot and mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful broth.
  4. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to let the rice finish cooking and absorb the spices fully.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Open the pot, stir the jambalaya gently, and remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Use quality sausage: Choosing good smoked sausage greatly enhances the flavor.
  • Don’t skip natural pressure release: It ensures even cooking and prevents rice from sticking.
  • Sear meats separately: Browning chicken and sausage separately maximizes caramelization and flavor.
  • Adjust spice level: Start with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne or jalapeños for heat according to your preference.
  • Stir gently after cooking: Keeps the rice intact and the dish visually appealing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken Jambalaya, Sausage Jambalaya, Cajun Recipe, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya/