Jambalaya with Smoked Sausage and Chicken
Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana Creole dish that combines rice with an array of flavorful ingredients like sausage, chicken, vegetables, and spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Southern cuisine to your table.
### Ingredients:
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 pound smoked sausage, sliced**
– **1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces**
– **1 large onion, diced**
– **1 bell pepper, diced**
– **2 celery stalks, diced**
– **3 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)**
– **2 cups chicken broth**
– **1 1/2 cups long-grain rice**
– **2 bay leaves**
– **Salt and pepper to taste**
– **2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)**
– **Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)**
### Instructions:
1. **Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.**
– Add the smoked sausage, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. **In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces.**
– Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
3. **Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet.**
– Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. **Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices).**
– Then add the dried thyme, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine the spices with the vegetables.
5. **Return the sausage and chicken to the skillet.**
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. **Add the rice and bay leaves to the skillet.**
– Stir well and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
7. **Season the jambalaya with salt and pepper to taste.**
– Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. **For extra flavor and presentation, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.**
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Serve your jambalaya hot and enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.**
This hearty and delicious Jambalaya with Smoked Sausage and Chicken combines the richness of smoked sausage and tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and spices, creating a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.