Chicken sausage jambalaya comes from Louisiana and is beloved for its rich flavors. This dish features chicken, sausage, rice, and a mix of spices that create a mouthwatering meal. The Instant Pot simplifies cooking, allowing all the ingredients to meld together quickly, resulting in a delightful blend of tastes.
With just a few steps, anyone can bring this hearty dish to their table. Interested in making this tasty jambalaya? Keep reading to discover an easy recipe along with some handy tips to make it a success!
Key Takeaway
- Chicken sausage jambalaya is a quick and tasty meal.
- Using an Instant Pot saves time and keeps flavors in.
- The recipe is easy to follow for a fun family dinner.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Credits: Foodies Terminal
To make Chicken Sausage Jambalaya in an Instant Pot, gather proteins, vegetables, rice, liquids, and seasonings for a tasty dish. Here’s a clear list:
Ingredients:
- Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cubed
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
- Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Grains:
- 1½ cups long-grain rice
- Liquids:
- 2 to 3 cups chicken stock
- Seasonings:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, or hot sauce for extra flavor
Some recipes may include tomatoes, like diced or crushed, for more depth.
Pro Tips:
- Use the sauté function to brown the sausage and chicken to boost flavor.
- Keep the liquid-to-rice ratio precise to ensure even cooking.
- After pressure cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.
For specific cooking steps, please refer to trusted sources. (1)
Steps to Prepare Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Cooking chicken sausage jambalaya is a breeze with the Instant Pot. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide:
- Sauté the Meats:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Wait for the oil to heat up. Then, add the sliced sausage. Cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Next, add the cubed chicken thighs to the pot. Brown the chicken for about 3 minutes. After that, take it out and join it with the sausage.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for around 2 minutes until they soften up.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- If you see any brown bits stuck to the bottom, pour in a splash of water or broth. This lifts the bits off the pot’s surface. Doing this prevents a burn warning later.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids:
- Stir in the browning sauce, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, and any spices you prefer.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water. Mix everything together well, ensuring the flavors start to blend.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned chicken and sausage to the pot.
- Carefully add the rice on top. Don’t stir it in; just press it down gently so it’s mostly covered with the liquid.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set the steam valve to “Sealing.”
- Cook on high pressure for 4-6 minutes. If you’re using parboiled rice, it will cook faster.
- After cooking, let the steam release naturally for 6 minutes. Then switch to quick release for any leftover pressure.
- Final Touches:
- Once it’s safe to open, remove the lid and stir everything. This mixes the flavors.
- Let the jambalaya sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the taste to deepen.
These steps make chicken sausage jambalaya simple to prepare. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Here are some handy tips to ensure chicken sausage jambalaya turns out delicious:
- Choose the Right Rice: Parboiled rice is the best choice because it holds up nicely in the Instant Pot. If opting for regular long-grain rice, be ready to tweak the cooking time a bit.
- Build Flavor: The “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—is key. Cooking these ingredients well enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Avoid Burn Notice: Always deglaze the pot after cooking the meats. This quick step helps prevent any burning when adding liquids later on.
- Customize Your Dish: Adding shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking can elevate the dish. It’s a great way to change things up! Plus, adjusting the spices to fit the family’s preferences makes the jambalaya even better.
These tips help create a flavorful jambalaya that everyone will love! (2)
Conclusion
Chicken sausage jambalaya in an Instant Pot is a quick and delicious dish. It brings together chicken, sausage, rice, and vegetables all in one pot. The short cooking time makes it perfect for busy nights. With the right ingredients and steps, anyone can whip up this tasty meal at home. It’s an easy way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dinner that the whole family will appreciate!
FAQ
What is the difference between Creole and Cajun jambalaya?
Creole jambalaya typically includes tomatoes and is more like a rice and meat stew, while Cajun jambalaya is tomato-free and has a more concentrated, intense flavor. Both are delicious options for this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful, but breasts will work too.
How do I get the bits from the bottom of the pot?
After browning the chicken and sausage, there will likely be some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. To get these up, simply deglaze the pot with a bit of chicken broth or white wine, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. This will incorporate those tasty browned bits into the dish.
Can I make this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This jambalaya recipe actually gets better as the flavors have time to meld. You can make it up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
How much extra broth should I add if I want more liquid?
If you prefer a soupier consistency to your jambalaya, you can add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth or stock to the recipe. Just be sure not to exceed the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice in place of white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What type of sausage works best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for chicken sausage, you can use other types of sausage like andouille or Cajun sausage. These spicier sausages will add great flavor to the jambalaya.
How do I avoid getting the “burn” message on my Instant Pot?
To prevent the “burn” message, be sure to brown the chicken and sausage thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. Also, make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot to get up any browned bits that could trigger the sensor.
Can I add shrimp to this jambalaya?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a great addition to chicken sausage jambalaya. Just add the raw shrimp along with the chicken and sausage at the beginning, and it will cook through during the pressure cooking time.
How do I meal prep this chicken sausage jambalaya?
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers that are perfect for meal prepping. Once cooled, store the jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
References:
- https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya/
- https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya/
Related Articles:
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-types-and-varieties-2/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-jambalaya-recipe-dutch-oven/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-jambalaya-pasta/
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