Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish with flavors and spices. This one-pot wonder is perfect for those who crave a delicious and hearty meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, spicy sausage, and fluffy rice makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any appetite. If you are looking for an easy recipe to take your taste buds on a journey to the Big Easy, we have a foolproof and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya recipe that will make your mouth water. Get ready to experience the taste of Louisiana right in your kitchen!

What is Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a wholesome and hearty dish that has its root in many cuisines. The dish uses several ingredients like meat, rice, and vegetables. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pot to get the most out of every flavor. Jambalaya is often served at brunches or family gatherings. It is a versatile dish, and you can customize it according to your liking by adding different ingredients (meat or vegetables).

Which sausages are best for Jambalaya?

There are so many different types of sausages available in the market. Choosing the right one for Jambalaya can be a bit confusing. Although you can choose whatever type of sausage you love depending on your preference, a few taste better than others. Here are the three most commonly used sausages for Jambalaya:

• Andouille sausage: The most widely used sausage for Jambalaya is the Andouille sausage. It has a smoky flavor with a bit of heat. The smokiness and heat add so much flavor to the Jambalaya, making it the perfect choice.
• Chorizo: Another widely loved sausage is the Spanish-style chorizo. It is smokier than Andioille and is also quite spicy. Most people think it overpowers the Jambalaya, but again it is a personal choice.
• Kielbasa: Another type of sausage for Jambalaya is the Polish sausage called Kielbasa. `This sausage is not as smoky as the Andouille but works well when you like to keep the flavors simple.

Can you use any other meat for Jambalaya?

Absolutely! You can use beef, pork, or even seafood in Jambalaya. If you want to make this dish more wholesome, you can add shrimp to this chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe. It will add so many flavors to this dish.

How to store Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya?

You can store leftover Jambalaya and enjoy it later. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days. To store it for longer, freeze Jambalaya for up to a month. Thaw it overnight and reheat it in an instant pot to enjoy a wholesome dish.

Instant Pot Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya – The recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time:  40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 tbsp. oil, divided

1 ½ cup sausages cut into ¼” thick slices

1 boneless & skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

1 ¾ cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded & chopped

3 green onions, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. red chili flakes

½ tsp. cayenne powder

½ tsp. onion powder

1 ¼ tsp. Italian seasoning

½ tsp. granulated sugar

1 ¾ cups chicken broth

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

Preparation

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add some oil. When the oil is hot, add the slices of sausage and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn brown on both sides.
2. Once the sausages are done, remove them from the Instant Pot and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
3. Pour the remaining oil into the Pot and add the chicken; cook for 1 minute while scraping up the browned bits from the sausage.
4. Turn off the Instant Pot and add bell pepper, yellow and green onion, celery, and garlic. Cook the mixture for another minute. Then stir the red chili flakes, cayenne powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, and rice to combine thoroughly.
5. Add the diced tomatoes along with the liquid, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Mix well, cover the Pot with a lid, and adjust the valve to sealing.
6. Set Instant Pot to Manual High-Pressure setting and cook for 5 minutes. After the timer beeps, wait 5 minutes for the pressure to release naturally, and then quickly release the remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully and use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
7. Once the rice is cooked, add the sausages on top, cover the Instant Pot with the lid, and allow the mixture to rest for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the lid slightly, stir, and enjoy!