Mock Jambalaya with Chicken

Bring the bold flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen with this Mock Jambalaya with Chicken—a simplified, one-pot twist on the classic Creole dish. Perfectly seasoned boneless chicken thighs are combined with the aromatic "holy trinity" of onion, green bell pepper, and celery, alongside garlic and smoky spices like paprika and optional cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. This hearty dish features tender white rice simmered in a rich medley of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, absorbing every ounce of flavor. Optional smoked sausage adds an authentic flair, while green onions provide a fresh and vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just 50 minutes, this hassle-free jambalaya recipe is a family-friendly favorite that doesn't compromise on taste. Ideal for weeknight dinners or Southern-inspired gatherings, it's a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the bayou.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 0.5 pound smoked sausage, sliced (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes total. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Pour in the uncooked white rice and stir to coat the grains with the seasonings and vegetables.

Step 6

Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with the sliced smoked sausage if using.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 9

Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2135 grams (2135.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2806

Total Fat 137.30g	176%
Saturated Fat 39.90g	200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 700mg	233%
Sodium 6230mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 206.10g	75%
Dietary Fiber 17.60g	63%
Total Sugars 23.70g
Protein 173.00g	346%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 458mg	35%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 3651mg	78%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.9%

Protein: 25.1%

Carbs: 30.0%