Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the rich, smoky heat of chorizo with tender chicken and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together with rice in a hearty, spiced broth. Inspired by the classic Cajun dish, this jambalaya is perfect for cozy dinners or serving up at a gathering. Whether you’re new to jambalaya or a seasoned fan, this recipe delivers all the deep flavors you crave with a simple and satisfying preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 lb chorizo, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add spices and rice: Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to toast the rice and allow the spices to bloom.
3. Cook the chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it begins to brown and release its flavorful oils.
4. Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the jambalaya: Cover the skillet and let the jambalaya simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Rest and fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and let the jambalaya rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and ensures a fluffy texture.
7. Serve and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Skip the chorizo and chicken, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and okra. You can also include plant-based sausage for a meatless option.
• Spicy Heat: Adjust the level of heat by increasing the cayenne pepper or adding chopped fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Seafood Twist: Add shrimp, crawfish, or other shellfish in place of the chicken for a seafood jambalaya variation.
• Smoky Flavor: For an added smoky flavor, consider using smoked chicken or smoked sausage in place of regular chicken or chorizo.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen the rice and prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?
   While long-grain rice is preferred, you can also use medium-grain rice or basmati rice in a pinch. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare this jambalaya in advance and refrigerate it for later. The flavors will actually improve after a day or two.
3. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   If you can’t find chorizo, you can substitute with Andouille sausage, kielbasa, or another type of smoked sausage for a different flavor.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add more cayenne pepper or some freshly chopped jalapeños during cooking. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.
5. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but be sure to cook it longer (about 30-40 minutes) and remove the bones before serving. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
6. What can I serve with jambalaya?
   This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or even some roasted vegetables.
7. Can I use canned chicken broth?
   Yes, you can use canned or homemade chicken broth for this recipe. If using canned, choose a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze leftover jambalaya. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will take longer to cook. You’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly (about 40-45 minutes total).
10. How can I make this dish more filling?
    To make it even more filling, serve the jambalaya with a side of garlic bread or add extra protein, like sausage or shrimp, to the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya is a flavorful, one-pot wonder that brings the rich tastes of Cajun and Creole cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish is a complete meal in itself. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this jambalaya is sure to be a satisfying and delicious choice. Easy to make, hearty, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?

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