Mardi Gras Chicken Jambalaya (Printable)
A vibrant Creole dish combining chicken, halal sausage, spices, and rice for a festive meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 9 oz halal smoked sausage (beef or chicken) sliced
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper diced
05 - 2 celery stalks diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves minced
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes drained
08 - 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish
→ Rice & Liquids
10 - 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
11 - 3 cups chicken broth (halal certified)
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
14 - 2 tbsp paprika
15 - 1 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1 tsp dried oregano
17 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
18 - 1 tsp salt or to taste
19 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sausage slices. Brown them for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato paste, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant and well incorporated.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes, then return the browned chicken and sausage to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetable mixture.
05 - Add the rinsed rice, stirring well to coat with spices and vegetables until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff with a fork before serving.
08 - Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot with cornbread or a crisp green salad if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spicy warmth fills your entire home with incredible aromas that gather everyone to the kitchen
- One pot delivers perfectly tender rice, juicy chicken, and smoky sausage without needing a dozen bowls
- Better than restaurant quality with simple ingredients and hardly any hands-on time
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the rice simmers or steam will escape and cooking time will extend
- The rice continues absorbing liquid as it rests, so dont worry if a tiny bit of moisture remains when you turn off the heat
03 -
- Cut all your ingredients before starting since the recipe moves quickly once heat is involved
- Taste the rice at the 25-minute mark since different brands absorb liquid at different rates