Description
Spicy chicken & chorizo jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary spirit to your dinner table. Rich layers of seasoned rice, tender meat, and bold spices create a memorable meal that transports taste buds to New Orleans’ lively kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs, diced
- 12 ounces (340 grams) chorizo sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the proteins in a large pot over medium heat with olive oil until chicken browns and chorizo develops a crispy exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer meats to a separate plate.
- Using the same pot, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until onions become translucent and soft, around 5 minutes.
- Introduce rice and aromatic spices, toasting them briefly to enhance their flavors, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Reintegrate the seared chicken and chorizo into the vegetable mixture, then pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the jambalaya to simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- Incorporate frozen peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking, creating additional texture and color.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences, removing the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot, creating a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal.
Notes
- Meat Preparation: Ensure chicken and chorizo are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Spice Balance: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, creating a milder or spicier jambalaya.
- Rice Selection: Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for optimal texture and preventing mushiness during cooking.
- Dietary Modifications: Substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables for vegetarian version, or use gluten-free chorizo for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 446 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg