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.