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Easy Cajun Jambalaya

A vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the spirit of New Orleans into your kitchen with a rich blend of spices, one-pot convenience, and hearty ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cooking Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Garnish (Optional)
  • green onions for garnish
  • parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the rice to the pot, stirring it around for about a minute until it's coated in the oil.
  4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well, bringing everything to a simmer.
  6. Once it starts simmering, fold in the shredded chicken.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  8. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Fluff up the rice with a fork, garnish with green onions or parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

To round out your meal, serve with a crisp side salad or crusty garlic bread. Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or load up on extra vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.