The Best Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe Ever

Spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering instant pot chicken & sausage jambalaya that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen.

This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a blend of aromatic spices for a meal that’ll transport you to the heart of New Orleans.

Packed with bold Cajun seasonings and hearty ingredients, this jambalaya delivers a perfect balance of heat and comfort.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The instant pot makes cooking a breeze, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.

Zesty, satisfying, and sure to impress, this jambalaya is about to become your new weeknight favorite that everyone will be asking you to make again.

FAQs

• What makes Jambalaya a traditional Louisiana dish?

Jambalaya originated in Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, and African culinary influences. It’s a one-pot rice dish packed with meat, vegetables, and bold spices that reflect the multicultural heritage of New Orleans.

• Can I use different types of meat in this Jambalaya?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken and sausage, you can substitute with shrimp, andouille sausage, or even add some diced ham. The key is to maintain a mix of proteins that provide rich, layered flavors.

• Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning varies in heat level. Some blends are mild, while others are quite spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.

• Why is it important not to stir the rice during pressure cooking?

Stirring can cause the rice to become sticky and clump together. Layering the ingredients and allowing the rice to cook undisturbed helps it absorb the liquid evenly and maintain a fluffy texture.

What Makes Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Stand Out

• Instant Pot jambalaya transforms complex Creole cooking into a super simple one-pot wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without hours of preparation.
• Packed with spicy sausage, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe guarantees a zesty meal that brings Louisiana-style excitement directly to your dinner table without complicated techniques.
• Easily swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this jambalaya perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences while maintaining the authentic soul of the dish.
• This recipe creates hearty leftovers that taste even better the next day, making it ideal for busy families wanting delicious, satisfying meals without constant cooking.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides a hearty protein base for the jambalaya.
• Sausage: Adds a rich, spicy flavor and traditional Cajun character to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: A classic Cajun flavor base that creates a deep, aromatic foundation for the jambalaya.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Italian Seasoning: Blend of spices that gives the jambalaya its signature bold and zesty profile.
• Sea Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the flavors of all ingredients.
• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice and overall dish.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides cooking fat and helps to develop rich flavors during sautéing.

• Rice: The classic grain that absorbs the flavors and creates the signature jambalaya texture.
• Canned Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and a slight tanginess to the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean finish to the jambalaya.

Steps to Cook Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Vessel

Heat up the Instant Pot using the Sauté function until it signals “HOT”.

Drizzle olive oil into the pot, optionally adding a touch of butter for extra depth of flavor.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery.

Stir and cook these vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and golden, releasing their aromatic essence.

Add more oil if the vegetables start to stick.

Step 3: Transform the Proteins

In a separate skillet, warm some olive oil over medium-high heat.

Brown the sausage slices until they develop a crispy exterior, about 2 minutes per side.

Remove and set aside.

Repeat the process with chicken pieces, creating a beautiful caramelized surface.

Step 4: Build Intense Flavor Layers

Sprinkle minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, and sea salt into the Instant Pot.

Stir briefly until the spices become fragrant.

Pour in chicken stock, using a spatula to scrape up the delicious browned bits from the pot’s bottom.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Return the browned sausage and chicken to the Instant Pot.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken pieces
• Sausage slices

Press down lightly to submerge the rice, but avoid stirring.

Step 6: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Lock the lid and set the steam valve to sealed position.

Press “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 5-6 minutes on high pressure.

For high-altitude cooking, extend the time to 6-8 minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Feast

Carefully release the steam immediately after cooking.

Remove the lid and gently mix the contents.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if desired.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the vibrant, spicy flavors of this jambalaya!

Tips for the Best Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

• Add a splash of white wine or beer during deglazing to enhance the jambalaya's complexity and create richer undertones.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and gradually increasing for perfect taste balance.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and doesn't become mushy during pressure cooking.
• Ensure enough liquid covers rice completely and scrape pot bottom thoroughly to avoid scorching during pressure cooking process.
• Jambalaya freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Proper Storage and Reheating for Jambalaya Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer jambalaya to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour jambalaya into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot and rice reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Side Dishes That Match Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the spicy, robust flavors of jambalaya, matching its richness and Louisiana-style heat.
• Match Craft Beer Selection: Choose a crisp, hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the dish's hearty protein and stands up to the Cajun seasonings, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Enhance Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Sazerac or Hurricane cocktail to honor the New Orleans roots, providing a spirited accompaniment that echoes the jambalaya's complex flavor profile.
• Balance Non-Alcoholic Option: Serve a tangy, spicy ginger beer or a zesty homemade lemonade with a dash of hot sauce, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's intense seasonings.

Custom Jambalaya Styles and Ingredient Swaps

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Jambalaya: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version. Use the same cooking method and seasonings, but reduce pressure cooking time to 3-4 minutes to prevent overcooking cauliflower.
• Vegetarian Protein Jambalaya: Swap chicken and sausage with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or meat substitutes. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for additional texture and protein.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Jambalaya: Substitute sausage and chicken with shrimp and crab meat. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use white rice or cauliflower rice for a safe, allergen-friendly meal.
• One-Pot Quinoa Jambalaya: Replace rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. Maintain the same liquid ratio and cooking time. Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for increased nutrition.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Louisiana-style Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya delivers explosive Creole flavors in minutes. Hearty rice, tender chicken, and zesty sausage combine for a one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite size pieces)
• 1 lb smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage (cut into 1/4 inch slices)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow or sweet onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14.5 oz fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes (1 can, undrained)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2–4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (a little butter may be substituted for some oil)
• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole Seasoning
• 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 2 cups chicken stock (regular or low-sodium)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot by activating the Sauté function until it reaches “HOT” temperature. Drizzle olive oil across the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the aromatic vegetable trio (onion, bell pepper, and celery) for 4-5 minutes, stirring intermittently until they become soft and slightly golden.
3. In a separate skillet, create a golden crust on sausage slices over medium-high heat, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a holding plate. Repeat the process with chicken pieces, achieving a similar caramelized exterior.
4. Introduce minced garlic, Cajun and Italian seasonings into the Instant Pot. Stir briefly until the spices release their fragrant oils. Pour chicken stock and use a spatula to dissolve any caramelized remnants from the pot’s bottom.
5. Reintegrate the browned sausage and chicken into the pot. Distribute uncooked rice evenly across the top, then gently layer canned tomatoes without stirring to ensure uniform rice cooking.
6. Lock the lid, seal the steam vent, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 5-6 minutes (adjust to 6-8 minutes for high-altitude locations).
7. Immediately perform a quick steam release after cooking. Gently fold the ingredients together, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your spice tolerance, using mild or hot varieties to suit personal preferences.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final jambalaya.
• Easily swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs or restrictions.
• Prepare this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, as the flavors intensify and become more robust after sitting overnight.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg