Save A hearty, oven-baked version of the classic Louisiana jambalaya packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful tomato rice base.
Jambalaya always makes me think of chilly weekends at home. The satisfying mix of chicken and sausage with warm Cajun spices turns simple ingredients into a feast my whole family asks for year after year.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2, cut into 1 inch pieces
- Smoked andouille sausage or kielbasa: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
- Long-grain white rice: 1½ cups (285 g), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 2½ cups (600 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges: optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
- Sauté meats:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sausage, sauté for 4, 5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, celery. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add seasonings:
- Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes:
- Add diced tomatoes with juices. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the skillet.
- Combine and bake:
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the baking dish with chicken and sausage. Add rice and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth, stir gently to combine and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Bake uncovered:
- Remove foil, stir gently, bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven, discard bay leaf, fluff with fork, garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Save Whenever we make this for a big family dinner, everyone gathers around the table for seconds. The oven baking means no one is stuck stirring on the stovetop, so I actually get to enjoy dinner time with everyone too!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this jambalaya bake with a simple green salad or a wedge of cornbread for extra comfort. Lemon wedges add a bright finishing touch.
Nutrition
Each serving delivers about 455 calories, 16 g fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein. Perfect for a hearty meal that still feels balanced.
Allergen Info
The recipe contains meat (chicken, sausage). Sausage and chicken broth may include soy, gluten, or dairy, so check packaging if needed.
Save Try this jambalaya bake for a crowd-pleasing meal right from your oven. Every bite is loaded with flavor—no stirring required!