Simple Chicken Sausage Jambalaya

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

This hearty bake combines tender chicken and smoky sausage with sautéed onions, bell pepper, and celery in a rich tomato and rice base. Seasoned with smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne, the dish is slowly baked until the rice is tender and flavors meld beautifully. Topped with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, it offers a satisfying taste reflecting Louisiana’s iconic cuisine. Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:40:00 GMT
Fragrant Simple Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Bake, steaming hot with visible chicken, sausage, and vegetables. Save
Fragrant Simple Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Bake, steaming hot with visible chicken, sausage, and vegetables. | birchplate.com

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

This dish is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare

Ingredients

  • Meats: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces 250 g (9 oz) smoked andouille sausage or kielbasa sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 large onion finely chopped 1 green bell pepper diced 2 celery stalks diced 3 garlic cloves minced 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • Rice & Liquids: 1½ cups (285 g) long grain white rice rinsed 2½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1 bay leaf 1½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper
  • Oil & Garnish: 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Lemon wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 190°C (375℉) Grease a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches)
Step 2:
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
Step 3:
In the same skillet add onion bell pepper and celery cook for 4 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for another minute
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste smoked paprika thyme oregano cayenne salt and pepper Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors
Step 5:
Add diced tomatoes with juices and stir well scraping up any browned bits
Step 6:
Transfer the vegetable mixture to the baking dish with the chicken and sausage Add rice and bay leaf then pour in chicken broth Stir gently to combine and spread evenly
Step 7:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes
Step 8:
Remove foil stir gently and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed
Step 9:
Remove from oven and discard bay leaf Fluff with a fork garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired
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Making this jambalaya brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly waits for seconds

Required Tools

Large skillet 9x13 inch baking dish Aluminum foil Cutting board and knife Mixing spoon

Allergen Information

Contains Meat (chicken sausage) Sausage may contain soy gluten or dairy check labels for sensitivities Chicken broth may contain allergens use homemade or check packaging

Nutritional Information

Calories 455 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 26 g per serving

A tempting close-up of the Simple Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Bake, showcasing tender chicken pieces and smoky sausage. Save
A tempting close-up of the Simple Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Bake, showcasing tender chicken pieces and smoky sausage. | birchplate.com

This jambalaya bake is a flavorful hearty meal perfect for sharing with friends and family throughout the year

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of sausage works best for this bake?

Smoked andouille or kielbasa are ideal, adding a smoky and savory depth that complements the chicken and spices well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free sausage and broth, this dish can suit gluten-free diets without altering the flavor.

How do I adjust the heat level?

Increase the cayenne pepper amount or add a few dashes of hot sauce to intensify the spiciness according to your taste.

Is there a way to simplify cooking this dish?

Yes, you can prepare it in a large ovenproof Dutch oven, cooking from stovetop to oven in one pot for easier cleanup.

What sides pair well with this bake?

Light sides like a fresh green salad or cornbread balance the rich, hearty flavors of the jambalaya bake wonderfully.

Simple Chicken Sausage Jambalaya

Oven-baked jambalaya with chicken, smoky sausage, vegetables, and fragrant tomato rice for a hearty main dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
50 minutes
Overall Time
70 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American (Cajun/Creole)

Servings produced 6 Serving Size

Diet Details No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Meats

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 9 ounces smoked andouille sausage or kielbasa, sliced

Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 1 green bell pepper, diced
03 2 celery stalks, diced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices

Rice & Liquids

01 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
02 2.5 cups chicken broth
03 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1 teaspoon dried thyme
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
05 1 bay leaf
06 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
07 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Oil & Garnish

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
03 Lemon wedges, optional for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Brown chicken and sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sliced sausage; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 04

Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 05

Combine tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring well and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 06

Assemble dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture to the baking dish over the chicken and sausage. Add rinsed rice and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine evenly.

Step 07

Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 08

Finish baking uncovered: Remove foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 09

Serve: Remove from oven, discard bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains meat (chicken, sausage). Sausage may contain soy, gluten, or dairy ingredients—verify labels accordingly. Chicken broth may contain allergens; use homemade or check packaging.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 455
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 26 g