Protein: Chicken and Sausage
Origin: American South, Cajun
Method: Stovetop, Grill or Smoker, Dutch Oven
Jump to Recipe
This Dutch Oven Jambalaya recipe is based on one of the first Cajun recipes I tried making at home, and a dish that lead to my love of Cajun and Creole food. This easy one pot Jambalaya is packed with flavor but very simple to make. Loaded with browned chicken breast and smoked sausage this Cajun rice dish is sure to become a favorite with your family like it is with mine.
What is Jambalaya?
The history of jambalaya is a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. Jambalaya is thought to have been created by slaves who combined the ingredients that they had available to them, such as rice, meat, and vegetables. Jambalaya quickly became a popular dish among the slaves and quickly spread to other parts of the United States.
Today, jambalaya is a well-known dish all over the world and is common to find in restaurants and at home. It is a perfect Mardi Gras recipe due to its simplicity and ease of making in large portions, making it perfect one pot recipe to cook up for a crowd.
Is Jambalaya Cajun or Creole?
In short, the answer is both. Jambalaya is a dish that is shared by both Cajun and Creole cultures. While the dish was likely created by the Cajuns, today it is enjoyed by both Creole and Cajun peoples, though there are some subtle differences in how it is prepared.

Jambalaya Variations:
-Cajun Jambalaya: Cajun Jambalaya is considered to be the original jambalaya and is thought of as a one pot dish. Also known as "brown jambalaya" Cajun Jambalaya does not typically contain tomatoes and only includes ingredients that where readily available to the Cajun population at the time. Frequently, Cajun jambalaya is a "dump and cook" recipe where all of the ingredients are added to a Dutch oven or large pot at one time and slowly cooked.
-Creole Jambalaya: As the Creole population began to make this southern style jambalaya, they began to add more expensive ingredients like tomatoes. Also referred to as "red jambalaya," Creole style jambalaya is more likely to have its flavors layered, by adding ingredients in a stepwise fashion, to build a depth of flavor.
Making the Smoked Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya
This chicken and smoked sausage jambalaya falls into the category of a "red" of Creole jambalaya. While the Dutch oven jambalaya remains a one pot dish, the ingredients are added in stages in order to build up a depth of flavor. Thankfully this Creole style red jambalaya is super easy to make as well.
Prep your ingredients
To prepare the Southern chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe, you first need to prep your ingredients.

In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning and file. Feel free to use your favorite Creole or Cajun seasoning or make our easy Cajun seasoning from scratch. Next, dice the onions, celery and bell pepper and mince the garlic.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce to the tomatoes and reserve. Next, cube the chicken and the sausage. You can cut the sausage to your preferred size. I like slices or cutting the sausage cut into halves, but the wife prefers the sausage cut smaller so we typically cube it.

What sausage is best for jambalaya?
Traditionally, Andouille sausage is the go-to sausage for making jambalaya. Andouille is a smoked sausage typically made with pork, garlic, and spices and gives jambalaya a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. If you are unable to find Andouille sausage you can substitute other smoked pork sausages. In a pinch Polish Kielbasa makes a good substitute in this Creole recipe.

Once you have prepped all of your ingredients, it is time to start cooking your Dutch Oven Chicken and Smoked Sausage Jambalaya
Making Dutch Oven Jambalaya
If you are cooking the jambalaya on a grill or smoker you want to be cooking over indirect heat. Allow at least 30 minutes for the Dutch oven to come to temp before your start cooking. If you are cooking on a stove, heat over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium heat. Brown the sausage, followed by the chicken.
When the chicken is just browned, add the veggies and sauté until browned. We made this jambalaya on our Big Green Egg grill, but this Dutch oven jambalaya recipe is a great campout or campfire recipe as well or can be made on your stovetop.

Add in the spices and seasonings and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.

Next, add in the liquid ingredients and the tomatoes. We like crushed tomatoes for this recipe, but diced tomatoes work well too for a little bit chunkier jambalaya. Mix well to combine.

Finally, add in the rice and stir until well mixed. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir and simmer for about 30 more minutes covered.
If you are cooking over direct heat, you may want to stir more frequently to keep rice from burning to the bottom of the pot. If the jambalaya seems to be getting too dry you can add in a little more chicken broth or water.

Serving the Creole Style Red Jambalaya

This super flavorful Cajun Jambalaya recipe is great as a standalone meal or as an appetizer for some of our other Cajun and Creole recipes:
- Cajun Crawfish Po' Boy With Spicy Remoulade
- Spicy Cheese Stuffed Smoked Meatloaf
- Cast Iron New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp
- New Orleans Style Chargrilled Oysters
- Grilled Muffaletta: New Orleans Deli Sandwich
- Blackened Chicken a la Mer
- Jalapeno Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Pork Jowl
- Mother's Inspired Double Smoked Black Ham

Enjoy this easy Dutch oven jambalaya with a cold Hurricane or Southern Comfort Blackberry Bramble Style Arnold Palmer. Southern style jambalaya always goes well with some Bourbon Pecan Pie, or Coconut Cream Pie.
Refrigerate any leftovers, and eat within 3 days.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe, please share with others and please leave us a comment and review. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Until next time, Carne Diem!
📖 Recipe

Chicken and Smoked Sausage Jambalaya
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 12 Ounces Andouille or Smoked Sausages Cubed
- 2 Chicken Breasts Cubed
- 1 Onion Diced
- 2 Celery Stalks Diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper Diced
- 28 Ounce Can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun or Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Gumbo File
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Prep your chicken, sausage, and vegetables as above.
- Add a small amount of oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium heat. Brown the sausage, followed by the chicken.
- When the chicken is just browned, add the veggies and sauté until browned.
- Add in the spices and seasonings and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Add in the liquid ingredients and the tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Add in the rice and stir until well mixed. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir and simmer for about 30 more minutes covered.
Nutrition

suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
Nathan
This is a fantastic jambalaya, super hearty and filling. Lots of great flavors too! Definitely one I'll make again!
Carne Diem
Thanks so much for sharing. Glad you enjoyed it!
rebecca
I love jambalaya! especially with sausage in it. thanks for the easy skillet recipe
Sandhya S
I have never tried these before. Interesting. J am looking forward to trying at home with my family. Looks great!
Dina Miller
Oh my goodness we have been looking for a good recipe! And this is it!