Sizzling Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting an authentic chicken & chorizo jambalaya brings Louisiana’s vibrant culinary spirit right into your kitchen.

Spicy chorizo sausage weaves magic through tender chicken pieces, creating layers of robust flavor.

Memories of New Orleans dance across your taste buds with each carefully seasoned bite.

Southern cooking traditions merge seamlessly with bold ingredients that promise excitement.

Complex spices whisper stories of coastal kitchens and generations of passionate cooks.

Hearty rice absorbs every nuanced note, transforming a simple meal into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this recipe and let your inner chef celebrate a true comfort classic.

Why Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Is So Flavorful

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors from smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper, this jambalaya delivers a flavor explosion that will wake up your taste buds.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Using just a single skillet or Dutch oven, you'll create a complete meal without dealing with multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combining chicken and chorizo, this recipe offers a delicious protein combination that satisfies hunger and provides rich, robust taste in every single bite.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful mix of bell peppers, vibrant spices, and hearty ingredients, this jambalaya appeals to both adults and kids, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the jambalaya.
• Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that provides rich, smoky taste and additional protein.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables create a robust and colorful base with sweet and slightly tangy flavors.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices that brings warmth, earthiness, and a gentle heat to the jambalaya.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory flavor to the rice.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture to the dish.
• Rice: The classic base grain that absorbs all the delicious flavors and creates the jambalaya's signature texture.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a bright, clean flavor.

How to Make Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

Step 1: Sizzle the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, creating a warm cooking surface.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Toast Rice and Spices

• Rice
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper

Allow the rice to cook for 2 minutes, releasing the fragrant spice aromas and lightly toasting the grains.

Step 4: Brown the Chorizo

Add chorizo slices to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage develops a beautiful golden-brown color and becomes slightly crispy.

Step 5: Create the Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding together.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Season

Introduce diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 7: Simmer and Cook

Cover the skillet and let the jambalaya cook for 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender while the chicken cooks through.

Step 8: Rest and Fluff

Remove the skillet from heat and let the jambalaya rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate the hot jambalaya and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Pro Tips for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Keep the heat level in check by adjusting cayenne pepper; start with a small amount and add more gradually for desired spiciness.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture, but brown rice works as a healthier alternative with slightly longer cooking time.
• Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth execution and prevent burning spices or overcooking vegetables.
• Let the jambalaya rest covered after cooking to allow rice to absorb remaining moisture and develop deeper flavors.

Variations to Try With Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Seafood Jambalaya: Replace chicken and chorizo with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage for a classic Louisiana-style seafood version.
• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Swap meats with black beans, extra bell peppers, zucchini, and plant-based sausage for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Spicy Cajun Jambalaya: Increase cayenne pepper, add hot sauce, and include jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and traditional Cajun flavor.
• One-Pot Quinoa Jambalaya: Substitute rice with quinoa for a high-protein, gluten-free option that maintains the rich, spicy profile of the original recipe.

Suggested Pairings for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Pair Spicy Sangria: A vibrant red wine cocktail bursting with fruity notes that beautifully complements the jambalaya's bold spices and rich flavors.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: A zesty mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the spicy, hearty jambalaya.
• Select Spanish Tempranillo Wine: A medium-bodied red wine with smoky undertones that echoes the chorizo's intensity and enhances the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Recommend Cool Cucumber Mojito: A light, herbaceous cocktail that offers a cooling sensation against the jambalaya's heat, creating a delightful taste contrast.

Storage Advice for Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Pack the jambalaya in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the jambalaya in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya

• What is the origin of jambalaya?

The dish originated in Louisiana, combining French, Spanish, and African culinary influences, typically featuring rice, meat, and vegetables.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice, adjusting cooking time and liquid accordingly.

• How spicy is this jambalaya?

The recipe uses cayenne pepper, which adds mild heat. You can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.

• Is chorizo necessary for the recipe?

Chorizo adds a unique smoky flavor, but you can substitute it with andouille sausage or another spicy sausage if needed.

Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken & chorizo jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary magic straight to your kitchen with bold, zesty flavors. Rich and satisfying, this one-pot wonder delivers a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) chorizo, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains, Spices, and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, creating a flavorful cooking foundation.
2. Introduce chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate rice and aromatic spices, including smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, toasting the mixture for 2 minutes to enhance and release deep flavor profiles.
4. Add chorizo slices, allowing them to brown and develop crispy edges while releasing their rich, spicy essence.
5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, gently bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
6. Introduce diced chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, then cover and let the jambalaya cook for 20 minutes at a low heat until rice absorbs the liquid completely.
7. After cooking, allow the dish to rest, covered, for 5 minutes to help flavors meld and rice achieve perfect texture.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring a light and airy consistency.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot, presenting a vibrant and aromatic one-pot meal.

Notes

• Select a high-quality, spicy chorizo for deeper flavor complexity and authentic taste.
• Toast rice with spices carefully to prevent burning and enhance aromatic profile.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent cooking results.
• For gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth and chorizo are certified gluten-free.
• Swap chicken with shrimp or plant-based protein for dietary variations.
• Control cayenne pepper amount to adjust spice level for different heat tolerances.
• Allow jambalaya to rest covered after cooking to help rice absorb remaining moisture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions add bright, fresh finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg