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Chicken Jambalaya Recipe – Easy Southern One-Pot Meal

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This chicken jambalaya recipe is a classic Southern one-pot meal made with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and bold Cajun spices for a hearty and flavorful dinner.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add rice, paprika, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice.
  6. Return chicken to the pot and mix well.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender.
  9. Remove bay leaf, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff and serve.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay more tender than breast meat.
  • Use long-grain rice to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Adjust spice levels to your preference.
  • Let the dish rest briefly before serving for best texture.

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