Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the joy of making Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya! I can’t help but smile when I think about how easy and flavorful this dish is. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice. Honestly, the best part? It all comes together in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing with delight, and your family will be begging for seconds. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings everyone to the table—and who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya:
- 1 lb chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 lb smoked sausage: Sliced; I love using andouille for that extra kick!
- 1 cup long-grain rice: This is key for that fluffy texture.
- 1 onion: Chopped; it adds a sweet depth to the dish.
- 1 bell pepper: Chopped; any color works, but I usually go for green.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced; because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds a nice tanginess.
- 2 cups chicken broth: For moisture and flavor; low-sodium is my go-to.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adjust to your spice preference!
- 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick.
- 2 green onions: Chopped; these are for a fresh garnish at the end.
How to Prepare Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making your Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip this up. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the diced chicken and sliced sausage. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re nicely browned. Don’t rush this part; that caramelization adds so much flavor!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften. Wow, the aroma will be irresistible!
- Now it’s time to stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well. This is where the magic begins!
- Close the lid, seal the vent, and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for just 10 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how everything melds together!
- Once the cooking time is up, let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Be careful, it can splatter!
- Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Oh, trust me, it’s going to look and smell fantastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Hearty flavors that bring comfort to your dinner table.
- One-pot meal for less cleanup, yay!
- Customizable to your spice preference and ingredient availability.
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers for lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip browning the chicken and sausage; that step adds incredible depth of flavor. If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to increase the Cajun seasoning—just remember, you can always add but can’t take away! Also, be cautious with the quick release; it can get messy, so use a kitchen towel to shield yourself from any splatters. Lastly, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking; this gives the flavors time to meld beautifully. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. For a twist, try adding okra or sweet corn for a pop of sweetness and texture. If you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile, toss in some cajun shrimp for a seafood spin! Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. You can even experiment with different types of rice, like brown rice for a heartier option. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a rough estimate for a serving size of 1 cup of Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually requires about 22–25 minutes of pressure cooking, so keep that in mind!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs. It’ll still taste amazing!
Can I add other proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in shrimp or even some diced ham for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Is this jambalaya gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and check that your broth is gluten-free, this dish is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Instant Pot chicken and sausage jambalaya is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just make sure to cover it to prevent splatters! Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out Classic Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. For nutritional information, you can refer to Healthline.
Imprimer
Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya: 30-Minute Comfort
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A flavorful dish combining chicken, sausage, rice, and spices cooked in an Instant Pot.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and seal the vent. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be adjusted for spice by modifying Cajun seasoning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like okra or corn.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: instant pot chicken and sausage jambalaya, jambalaya recipe, easy jambalaya
