Sizzling Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

Spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering instant pot chicken and sausage jambalaya that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen.

This hearty one-pot wonder blends tender chicken, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked rice in a symphony of Creole seasonings.

Every bite packs a punch of bold, authentic taste that’ll transport you to the streets of New Orleans.

The instant pot makes this classic dish incredibly simple to prepare, cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Rich, robust, and deeply satisfying, this jambalaya promises to become a new family favorite.

Prepare to impress your taste buds and turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Instant Pot Jambalaya: What Sets It Apart

• This jambalaya delivers bold Cajun flavors in one pot, making it a perfect meal for satisfying hearty appetites without complicated cooking steps.
• Using an Instant Pot means fewer dishes to wash, with all ingredients cooked and combined in a single vessel, reducing post-meal kitchen work.
• Home cooks can easily create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal prep, blending proteins, rice, and spices into a delicious southern-style dish that impresses family and friends.
• The recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like shrimp, different proteins, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences without disrupting the core cooking method.

What You’ll Need for Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

• Andouille Sausage: A spicy Cajun sausage that adds robust flavor and authentic taste to the jambalaya.
• Chicken: Tender meat that provides protein and absorbs the rich spices of the dish.

• Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Celery, Garlic: A classic Cajun trinity that forms the flavor base of the jambalaya with aromatic and savory notes.

• Rice: The hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor to the jambalaya.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and slight sweetness to the overall dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Dried Basil, Thyme, Sugar, Salt: A blend of spices that creates the signature Cajun taste and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Cooking Oil: Helps brown the meats and sauté the vegetables, adding richness to the dish.

Essential Tools for Pressure Cooker Jambalaya

• Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sautéing the jambalaya ingredients.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Perfect for draining and resting browned sausage.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for precise seasoning measurements.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurate liquid and rice quantities.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and slicing sausage.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice at the end of cooking.

Making Instant Pot Jambalaya – Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Fire up your Instant Pot on saute mode.

Splash in some oil and let it heat up.

Toss in andouille sausage slices, letting them dance and brown until they develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Scoop out the sausage and park it on a paper towel-lined plate for later.

Step 2: Warm Up Chicken and Veggie Buddies

Add another splash of oil to the pot.

Drop in chicken pieces and give them a quick stir, picking up those delicious sausage bits stuck to the bottom.

Kill the heat.

Tumble in chopped onions, green peppers, celery, and garlic.

Let them mingle and warm up together.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Shower the mixture with Cajun seasoning, dried basil, thyme, and a pinch of sugar.

Toss in the rice, making sure every grain gets a cozy coating of oil and spices.

Step 4: Liquid Love

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juicy friends, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of salt.

Gently stir so every rice grain gets a nice bath.

Step 5: Pressure Magic

Lock on the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.

Blast on High Pressure for 5 minutes.

When the timer chimes, let it rest for 5 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Crack open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

Nestle those reserved sausage slices on top.

Cover and let everything get cozy for 5 more minutes.

Give a light stir and serve up this Louisiana-style feast!

Jambalaya Cooking Tips for Flavorful Results

• Brown andouille sausage first to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance the overall jambalaya taste profile.
• Stir rice with seasonings before adding liquids to ensure even spice distribution and maximum flavor absorption.
• Follow exact 5-minute high-pressure cooking time to prevent rice from becoming mushy while maintaining perfect texture.
• Let jambalaya sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sausage to warm through gently.
• Ensure rice is fully submerged in broth and tomato liquid to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry spots.

Creative Jambalaya Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Replace chicken and andouille sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Seafood Jambalaya: Swap chicken with shrimp or crawfish. Add seafood during the last minute of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Jambalaya: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower. Reduce cooking time to 3 minutes to prevent mushy texture. Maintain original spices and protein choices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free certified. Use gluten-free rice like jasmine or basmati. Keep all other ingredients the same for a safe alternative.

Serving Jambalaya for Any Occasion

• Spicy Sidekick Plate: Serve jambalaya alongside crispy cornbread or jalapeño-studded cornbread muffins for a zesty Louisiana-style companion that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Cooling Contrast Combo: Pair the spicy dish with a fresh, tangy coleslaw or cucumber salad to balance the heat and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich jambalaya flavors.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Top the jambalaya with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning to add brightness, color, and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Wine Weekend Warrior: Match this hearty dish with a cold, crisp beer like a light lager or a bold red wine such as zinfandel to complement the robust and spicy profile of the jambalaya.

Best Methods for Storing Jambalaya Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed jambalaya stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled jambalaya to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano that adds authentic Louisiana-style flavor to dishes.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time, so you’ll need to adjust the recipe by increasing liquid by 1/2 cup and extending pressure cooking time to 22-25 minutes to ensure proper rice texture.

• Is andouille sausage necessary for this recipe?

While andouille sausage provides traditional jambalaya flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage or chorizo if andouille is unavailable. The key is using a flavorful, spicy sausage that complements the dish.

• How spicy is this jambalaya?

Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy instant pot chicken and sausage jambalaya brings Louisiana’s culinary magic to home kitchens with remarkable ease. Hearty rice, tender meats, and bold spices create a satisfying meal that transports diners straight to New Orleans.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) andouille sausages, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare andouille sausage by sautéing in hot oil within the Instant Pot until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In the same pot, sear chicken pieces quickly, scraping up any caramelized sausage remnants. Incorporate diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic, allowing residual heat to soften vegetables.
3. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, dried basil, thyme, and sugar over the mixture. Add rice, thoroughly coating grains with aromatic spices and oil.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Gently stir to ensure rice is completely submerged in liquid, creating an even cooking environment.
5. Seal Instant Pot lid, positioning valve to sealing. Pressurize on high for 5 minutes. After timer sounds, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release remaining pressure.
6. Delicately fluff rice with a fork. Reintroduce reserved sausage slices atop the jambalaya. Cover with unpressurized lid for 5 additional minutes to harmonize flavors and warm sausage. Lightly mix before serving.

Notes

• Choose spicy andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, ensuring a robust and zesty jambalaya that packs a punch.
• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for versatile protein options that cater to different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy texture and ensuring perfectly separated grains in the final dish.
• Allow natural pressure release for the first five minutes to help rice absorb liquid evenly and maintain ideal moisture without becoming mushy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Creole/Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg