Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya
This Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya is a vibrant and hearty dish that captures the essence of classic Southern cuisine. With tender chicken and flavorful chorizo or Andouille sausage simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables and spices, this jambalaya is a feast for the senses. Cooking the rice separately ensures perfect texture, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce without turning mushy. Adjust the heat level with cayenne or chili powder, making it just right for your palate. Whether served at a family gathering or a festive occasion, this dish brings warmth and comfort to every table.
10
Servings
340
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shortening
2 teaspoons
Onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Green Pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic
4 cloves (minced)
Chicken
1 (cut into pieces)
Chorizo Sausage or Andouille Sausage
2 lbs
Fresh Ripe Tomatoes
3 cups (chopped)
Chicken Stock
2.5 cups
Thyme
2 teaspoons
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Parsley
1 teaspoon
Cayenne or Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Cooked Long-Grain Rice
6 cups
Cayenne or Tabasco Sauce
to offer at table
Instructions
1
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the shortening over medium heat until melted.
2
Add the chicken pieces and sauté until browned on all sides, approximately 20 minutes, ensuring they are cooked halfway through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion, green pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
Stir in the chorizo (or Andouille sausage) and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Return the browned chicken to the pot, then add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), chicken stock, thyme, oregano, parsley, cayenne (or chili powder), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Remove the lid and allow the jambalaya to cook until the broth reduces slightly, ensuring it remains broth-y but not overly thick. Remember, the rice will soak up some liquid.
8
Serve the cooked long-grain rice in bowls, topped with the spicy jambalaya mixture. Garnish with additional cayenne or Tabasco sauce on the side for those who love extra heat.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
55g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya?
It is a vibrant and hearty Southern dish that features chicken, chorizo or Andouille sausage, and vegetables simmered in a spiced broth.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The main proteins are chicken and either chorizo or Andouille sausage.
Can I substitute the chorizo?
Yes, you can use Andouille sausage as a substitute for chorizo.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cut into pieces and sautéed until browned on all sides.
Which vegetables are used in this jambalaya?
The recipe uses finely chopped onion, green pepper, celery, and minced garlic.
Is the rice cooked with the meat and vegetables?
No, the rice is cooked separately to ensure a perfect texture and then topped with the jambalaya mixture.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
It takes approximately 20 minutes to brown the chicken pieces halfway through.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe recommends using cooked long-grain rice.
How much cooked rice is needed for the recipe?
You will need 6 cups of cooked long-grain rice.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 340 calories.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it is designed to be spicy, but you can adjust the heat level using cayenne or chili powder.
How much fat is in a single serving?
One serving contains 8.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 55g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with thyme, oregano, and parsley.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use either 3 cups of fresh chopped ripe tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes.
What type of fat is used for sautéing the ingredients?
Shortening is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
How long does the jambalaya need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for 30 minutes, followed by a brief uncovered cook to reduce the broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total in this recipe.
Can I use chili powder instead of cayenne?
Yes, the recipe allows for either cayenne or chili powder based on your preference.
What is recommended for those who want extra heat?
You can offer additional cayenne or Tabasco sauce at the table.
Why is it important to cook the rice separately?
Cooking the rice separately prevents it from turning mushy and allows it to absorb the flavors perfectly when served.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for even cooking.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 2.5 cups of chicken stock.
What is the 'holy trinity' in this recipe?
The 'holy trinity' of Southern cooking included here is onion, green pepper, and celery.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 4 cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the vegetables.
How much salt is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
What is the texture of the finished jambalaya broth?
The broth should be slightly reduced so it is broth-y but not overly thick.
Is this dish suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, this vibrant and hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions.