Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot-Jambalaya is a popular Louisiana Creole dish that is a combination of rice, vegetables, and meat, typically chicken or sausage. It is a one-pot meal that is hearty and satisfying. Traditionally, jambalaya is made on the stovetop, but with the Instant Pot, you can make it even quicker and easier.
What is Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a popular Creole and Cajun dish that originated in Louisiana, USA. It is a one-pot dish that combines rice with a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and spices. The dish typically includes smoked sausage, chicken, and/or shrimp, along with the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery. Tomatoes and spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme are also commonly used in jambalaya.
There are two main types of jambalaya: Creole jambalaya, which features tomatoes and is more common in the New Orleans area, and Cajun jambalaya, which is more popular in the rural areas of Louisiana and is made without tomatoes. Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish that has become a staple of Louisiana cuisine and is enjoyed by many people around the world.
What are the traditional ingredients in Jambalaya?
For Making Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Piece Onion diced
1 Piece Green bell pepper diced
2 Piece Celery stalks
4 Piece Garlic cloves minced
1 Pound Chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
1 Pound Andouille sausage sliced
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 Tbsp Smoked paprika
1 Tbsp Dried oregano
1 Tbsp Dried thyme
1 Tbsp Salt
½ Tbsp Black pepper
1 Piece Tomatoes
2 Cup Chicken broth
1 Cup Grain white rice
¼ Cup Fresh parsley chopped
Making Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot Step by step
1. Turn on the Instant Pot and press the sauté button.Â
2. Add the olive oil, onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and sausage to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to coat the chicken and sausage.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
6. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to seal. Press the manual/pressure cook button and set the time for 10 minutes.
8. When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure
9. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
What is the best type of rice to use in Jambalaya
Traditionally, long-grain white rice is used in jambalaya. This type of rice has a firm texture and doesn’t become mushy when cooked, which is ideal for jambalaya. It also has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
What can I serve with Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a flavorful and filling dish, but it’s always nice to have some accompaniments to balance out the flavors and textures. Here are some options for what to serve with jambalaya:
Cornbread: A classic Southern side dish that complements the spiciness of the jambalaya.
Greens: Serve a side of collard greens, kale, or spinach to add some extra nutrients and color to your plate.
Coleslaw: A refreshing side that helps cool down the heat from the jambalaya.
Salad: A simple salad with a light dressing can help balance out the richness of the jambalaya.
Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the jambalaya.
Fried Okra: A Southern staple, fried okra is crispy, flavorful, and goes well with jambalaya.
What kind of sausage should I use in Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a dish with origins in Louisiana, USA, that typically includes rice, meat, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. The type of sausage used in Jambalaya varies based on personal preference and availability, but traditionally andouille sausage is used.
Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage made with pork, originating in France but commonly used in Cajun and Creole cuisine. It has a distinct spicy and smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in Jambalaya.
If andouille sausage is not available, you could also use other types of smoked sausages, such as kielbasa or chorizo, but keep in mind that these may have a different flavor profile than andouille. Ultimately, the type of sausage you use will depend on your personal preference and what is available to you.
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya cooked in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. However, here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, smoked sausage, white rice, and various vegetables:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 396
- Total fat: 12.9g
- Saturated fat: 4.2g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
- Sodium: 887mg
- Total carbohydrates: 41.4g
- Dietary fiber: 1.8g
- Sugars: 3.3g
- Protein: 28.3g
It’s important to note that these values are only an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size used in the recipe.
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot This is the main equipment you will need to make this recipe. The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can sauté, steam, slow cook, and pressure cook food. It is easy to use and can cook meals quickly and efficiently.
- 1 Cutting Board and Knife You will need a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the vegetables, chicken, and sausage.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons To ensure accuracy in the recipe, you will need measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients.
- 1 Wooden Spoon A wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring the jambalaya and scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent burning.
- 1 Can Opener You will need a can opener to open the can of diced tomatoes.
Ingredients
For Making Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Piece Onion diced
- 1 Piece Green bell pepper diced
- 2 Piece Celery stalks
- 4 Piece Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Pound Chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Pound Andouille sausage sliced
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp Dried thyme
- 1 Tbsp Salt
- ½ Tbsp Black pepper
- 1 Piece Tomatoes
- 2 Cup Chicken broth
- 1 Cup Grain white rice
- ¼ Cup Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Making Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Instant Pot Step by step
- Turn on the Instant Pot and press the sauté button.
- Add the olive oil, onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken and sausage to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to coat the chicken and sausage.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to seal. Press the manual/pressure cook button and set the time for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Brown the meat: Before adding the chicken and sausage to the Instant Pot, it's a good idea to brown them first. This helps to seal in the juices and add extra flavor to the dish. You can use the Saute function on the Instant Pot for this.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Since Jambalaya is a flavorful dish, it's important to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and good quality sausage and chicken.
- Add enough liquid: Make sure you add enough liquid to the Instant Pot to ensure that the rice cooks properly. The ratio of rice to liquid should be around 1:1.5 to 1:2 depending on the type of rice you use.
- Don't stir too much: Once you add the rice to the Instant Pot, avoid stirring it too much. This can make the rice sticky and mushy. Instead, use a spatula to gently mix the rice with the liquid and other ingredients.
- Let it rest: After the Jambalaya is done cooking, allow it to rest in the Instant Pot for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess liquid.
- Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the Jambalaya and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
