Easy and Delicious Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Casserole

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the rich culinary traditions of Cajun cuisine to your table. Originating from Louisiana, jambalaya is a beloved dish that combines rice with a variety of meats and vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. This casserole version simplifies the cooking process while keeping the authentic taste intact.

Ingredients

Before we start, make sure you have all of the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice)
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Chopped green onions and parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Chicken and Sausage: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Cut the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
• Vegetables: Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.
• Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

Cooking Instructions

Step 2: Sauté the Meats and Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion, Bell Pepper, and Celery: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook until they become tender and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer with Rice and Broth

1. Add the Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
2. Add the Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the rinsed rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and thyme.
3. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked.

Assembly

Step 5: Layering the Casserole

1. Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the sautéed chicken, sausage, and the rice mixture from the skillet.
2. Layer for Flavor: For maximum flavor, ensure the meats are evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture.

Baking and Serving

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
2. Uncover and Finish: For a slightly crispy top, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley for added color and flavor.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious and satisfying Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Casserole that's perfect for any occasion. The steps may seem many, but each one adds a layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe your own.

If you loved making this dish and want more personalized tips, book a call with one of our culinary experts today. Happy cooking!