The Perfect Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Recipe for Spicy Comfort

Spicy aromas from a classic chicken & chorizo jambalaya dance through my kitchen, promising a culinary adventure.

Colorful ingredients scattered across my countertop whisper stories of louisiana’s rich cooking traditions.

Robust sausage and tender chicken mingle with vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite carries the warmth of southern hospitality and complex seasoning.

My grandmother’s lessons echo as I chop and season, remembering her passion for hearty meals.

Layers of rice, meat, and spices promise a feast that connects generations through shared comfort.

Rush to your stove and let this jambalaya transport you to a world of delicious excitement.

Reasons to Love Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Combines bold chorizo with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering blend of spicy and savory notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot wonder satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its hearty and rich ingredients.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep and cooking steps, making it an ideal meal for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to different spice levels and dietary preferences, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your family's unique tastes.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Chicken: A lean and tender meat that provides a delicate flavor and protein to the jambalaya.
• Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that adds rich, smoky depth and a vibrant red color to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté the meats and prevents sticking to the pot.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: A classic Cajun holy trinity that creates a robust aromatic base for the jambalaya.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that intensifies the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: A combination of spices that brings traditional Louisiana-style heat and complexity to the jambalaya.

• Long-Grain White Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the rich flavors and provides a hearty texture to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the overall taste of the jambalaya.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh garnish and light herbal note to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

Step 1: Sizzle Meats in Simmering Oil

Grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven and drizzle olive oil across its surface. Let the oil warm up over medium heat until it starts to shimmer. Toss in diced chicken and chorizo, allowing them to dance and sear. Watch the chicken transform into a golden brown color and the chorizo develop a delightful crispy exterior. This magical process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, scoop out the meats and set them aside on a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their incredible fragrant essence. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Build Robust Flavor Foundation

• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Cayenne pepper

Allow the spices to toast gently, awakening their deep, rich flavors and creating an incredible aromatic base for your jambalaya.

Step 4: Create Liquid Landscape

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Stir everything together, ensuring rice is evenly coated with the spicy, flavorful mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Merge Flavors

Cover the pot and let the jambalaya simmer on low heat. The rice will absorb all the incredible flavors, becoming tender and delicious. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite and Finish

Return the seared chicken and chorizo back into the pot. Gently fold them into the rice, allowing everything to meld together. Let it sit for a few minutes to ensure perfect temperature and flavor integration.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy your magnificent one-pot wonder that bursts with Creole-inspired flavors!

Pro Tips to Perfect Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Sear Meats Perfectly: Pat chicken and chorizo dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy chorizo based on your preference for flavor intensity.
• Prevent Mushy Rice: Use long-grain rice and avoid stirring too much during cooking to maintain separate, fluffy grains.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the meats rest after initial cooking to preserve their juices, then incorporate back into the dish for maximum taste.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or okra to increase the dish's nutritional profile and color variety.

Flavor Variations for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken and chorizo with shrimp and andouille sausage for a classic New Orleans-style jambalaya bursting with coastal flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute meats with plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and add extra bell peppers and mushrooms for robust texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the jambalaya's signature spicy and hearty profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like chorizo and seasonings are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free rice or quinoa as the base grain for sensitive diets.

Pairing Suggestions with Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Spice-Boost Sangria: Pair this jambalaya with a chilled Spanish red sangria that complements the chorizo's smoky flavors and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied Grenache or Tempranillo to match the robust spices and meaty profile of the jambalaya, enhancing its complex taste.
• Fresh Citrus Contrast: Serve with a zesty lime-infused sparkling water or a light citrus mocktail to balance the dish's intense and spicy character.
• Crisp Beer Companion: Choose a cold Mexican lager like Modelo or Dos Equis, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the jambalaya's bold and hearty elements.

Best Storage Practices for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Pour jambalaya into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated completely through.

Common Questions About Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• What makes chorizo special in this jambalaya?

Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy flavor that gives the dish its signature bold taste and rich reddish color, making the jambalaya more complex and exciting than standard rice dishes.

• Is jambalaya a specific type of cuisine?

Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana Creole and Cajun rice dish that originated from Spanish and French culinary influences, combining multiple protein sources with rice and vegetables.

• Can I substitute the meats in this recipe?

You can replace chicken and chorizo with other proteins like shrimp, andouille sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives like tofu, but this might slightly change the authentic flavor profile of the dish.

Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 5-7 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken & chorizo jambalaya brings Louisiana’s bold culinary spirit to dinner tables with spicy, soulful flavors. Hearty rice, tender meat, and zesty seasonings promise a delicious journey through Southern comfort that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, coating the bottom with olive oil until it shimmers slightly.
2. Introduce diced chicken and chorizo into the heated oil, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Carefully transfer the browned meats to a separate plate, preserving their caramelized essence for later incorporation.
4. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and celery until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic qualities.
5. Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, stirring quickly to prevent burning and enhance the depth of flavor.
6. Add long-grain rice, stirring to coat each grain with the seasoned oil and vegetable remnants, creating a rich foundation.
7. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
8. Return the reserved chicken and chorizo to the pot, gently nestling them into the liquid and rice mixture.
9. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, allowing the jambalaya to simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
10. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice and mix ingredients before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild chorizo based on your heat preference, balancing the overall flavor profile of the jambalaya.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to create alternative protein versions that suit different dietary needs.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and develop deeper caramelization on meats.

• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg