Jambalaya Recipe: Chicken & Sausage (No Tomatoes!)

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey foodies! Ready to dive into a flavor-packed jambalaya recipe that's a total crowd-pleaser? We're talking about a chicken and sausage jambalaya, but with a twist – no tomatoes! That's right, we're ditching the traditional tomato base and going for something a little different, and trust me, it's delicious. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal with tons of flavor. It's also super versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. So, grab your pots and pans, and let's get cooking! This no-tomato version is going to become your new weeknight favorite. Let's get started, shall we?

Why This Jambalaya Recipe is a Winner

Alright, guys, let's talk about why this jambalaya recipe is a winner. First off, it's packed with chicken and sausage, a classic combo that always hits the spot. The sausage brings a smoky, savory element, while the chicken adds a tender, protein-rich base. The absence of tomatoes might seem unusual, but it actually allows the other flavors to shine. We're using a mix of spices and vegetables to create a rich and complex flavor profile that's totally addictive. This is a great alternative for anyone who may be allergic or who just doesn't enjoy tomatoes. It's also a fantastic way to switch things up if you're looking for a new take on a classic dish. This version offers a lighter, brighter flavor while still delivering the comfort and satisfaction of a traditional jambalaya. If you are looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner, this recipe is perfect. You can customize the spice level to your preference. If you like a little heat, add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

What makes this recipe stand out is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even include both. And the sausage? Andouille is traditional, but you can use any kind of smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or even a spicy Italian sausage. The vegetables are also up for grabs. While we'll be using the classic trinity (onions, bell peppers, and celery), you can experiment with other veggies like okra or mushrooms. This is more than just a recipe; it's a starting point for culinary exploration. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice. Long-grain rice is the most common choice, but you could also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor or even a wild rice blend for added texture and nutrients. It's a dish that's meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. This recipe offers a delightful experience. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. It's also incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients You'll Need

Let's gather our ingredients for this amazing jambalaya recipe! Here's what you'll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille is traditional, but feel free to use your favorite)
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

This list is a great starting point, but don't hesitate to adjust quantities based on your preferences. Want more sausage? Go for it! Prefer more veggies? Add them! The beauty of jambalaya is its flexibility. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or what's in season. For example, if you don't have green bell peppers, red or yellow bell peppers work just as well. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and to cook with what you love. It's also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your unique version of this amazing dish. You might discover your new favorite combination of ingredients! It is very easy to find these ingredients at any local grocery store. You can also prepare the ingredients beforehand. This saves time when you actually cook. Mise en place is a great practice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Okay, guys, it's time to get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making this awesome jambalaya recipe:

Sauté the Chicken and Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the chicken. This step helps to develop a rich, complex flavor base for your jambalaya.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is the foundation of the flavor profile, so make sure to cook the vegetables until they're tender and slightly caramelized.
Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Toasting the rice slightly in the spices adds a wonderful nutty flavor to your jambalaya.
Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Make sure you are stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Rest and Serve: Remove the jambalaya from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy this delicious jambalaya recipe!

These steps are simple, but each contributes to the final delicious result. Remember to adjust the cooking times based on your stove and pot. If you find the jambalaya is drying out too quickly, you can add a little more chicken broth. If it is too wet, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. It is a fantastic dish to make any night of the week. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for several days. This is great for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook. You can also freeze the jambalaya for longer-term storage. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Properly stored, jambalaya can last in the freezer for several months. Just thaw and reheat when you are ready to enjoy it. Make sure to use safe practices when handling food, such as washing your hands and using clean utensils and cutting boards.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Jambalaya

Want to take your jambalaya recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:

Don't Rush the Sauté: Allowing the vegetables to soften and slightly caramelize before adding the spices is crucial for developing a rich flavor base. This step builds the foundation of the flavor and enhances the final dish.
Use Good Quality Sausage: The sausage is a star in this dish, so invest in high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Andouille is a classic choice, but experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the jambalaya from becoming sticky or mushy. This ensures the perfect texture and helps the rice cook evenly.
Adjust the Spice Level: Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of heat.
Let It Rest: Allowing the jambalaya to rest after cooking allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking. This also helps to achieve the perfect texture.
Use a Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: These types of pots distribute heat evenly, which is essential for cooking rice properly. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
Don't Overcook the Rice: Overcooked rice can make the jambalaya mushy. Make sure to check the rice towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish your jambalaya with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness and color. This enhances the overall presentation and adds another layer of flavor.
Experiment with Proteins: While chicken and sausage are the stars of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other proteins, such as shrimp, and even other vegetables.
Make it Your Own: The best thing about cooking is that you can adapt the recipe to your preferences. Don't be afraid to make changes and add your personal touch.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Alright, guys, let's explore some awesome variations and serving suggestions for this jambalaya recipe:

Variations:

Seafood Jambalaya: Add shrimp, crawfish, or even crab for a delicious seafood twist. Add the seafood towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Vegetarian Jambalaya: Swap the chicken and sausage for a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Add some beans for extra protein.
Spicy Jambalaya: Amp up the heat by adding more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño pepper.
Creamy Jambalaya: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of the cooking time for a richer, creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich flavors of jambalaya.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. This is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Hot Sauce: Provide a bottle of your favorite hot sauce for those who like a little extra kick. This allows people to customize the spice level to their liking.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
Sides: Serve with classic sides like cornbread or coleslaw. This adds to the southern flair.

This jambalaya recipe is truly a canvas for creativity! Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the cooking process! Making changes to this recipe is the best part! It's a dish that's meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. This recipe offers a delightful experience. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is incredibly easy to make. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your unique version of this amazing dish. You might discover your new favorite combination of ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's clear up some common questions about this amazing jambalaya recipe:

Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely! Andouille is traditional, but feel free to use your favorite smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, chorizo, or even Italian sausage.

Can I add vegetables? Yes, definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like okra, mushrooms, or even corn. This is a great way to personalize the recipe and use up what you have on hand.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, jambalaya is even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a great meal prep option!

Can I freeze jambalaya? Yes, you can freeze jambalaya for longer-term storage. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Properly stored, it can last for several months.

What kind of rice should I use? Long-grain rice is the most common choice, but you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor or even a wild rice blend for added texture.

How can I make it spicier? Add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño pepper.

Can I add seafood? Yes, add shrimp, crawfish, or other seafood towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What if I don't have chicken broth? You can substitute with vegetable broth or water, though chicken broth will add the best flavor. Add a bouillon cube or powder if needed.

How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom? Make sure you are stirring occasionally during the simmering process, especially towards the end. A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven will also help prevent sticking.

Is jambalaya supposed to be wet? Jambalaya should be moist, but not soupy. Adjust the cooking time and liquid levels as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! A fantastic jambalaya recipe that's bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. This no-tomato version is a great way to shake things up and try something new. Don't be afraid to experiment, customize the ingredients to your liking, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It's a fantastic meal for any time of year, and it is a crowd-pleaser for sure. Now go forth and create your own amazing jambalaya masterpiece! Happy cooking! We hope you enjoyed this recipe. Try new things and have fun in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious meal!