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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Casserole Recipes

Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Published: Mar 30, 2025 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 9 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 30 minutes mins

With delicious Creole flavor, this Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's an easy recipe to make your own using Creole or Cajan seasoning; make it spicy or mild, and use the meats you want.

๐ŸฅฃIngredients

Meatโ€”Chicken breast or thighs, smoked sausage, shrimp (optional)
Instant riceโ€”like Minute Riceยฎ๏ธ
Aromaticsโ€”onion and garlic
Creole or Cajun spice mix
Vegetablesโ€”green pepper, celery (optional)
Dairyโ€”Sour cream and Cheese
Pantry ingredientsโ€”chicken broth, RoTel or diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.

Cheesy chicken and sausage jambalaya on a fork-labeled.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐ŸฅฃIngredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Chicken and Sausage Jambalayaโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • ๐Ÿ“Meat options and variations
  • ๐Ÿง‚Spice options
  • ๐Ÿซ‘Rice and vegetable options
  • ๐Ÿ„Dairy options
  • ๐Ÿ“‹Other casserole recipes
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing
  • โ„๏ธStorage of leftovers
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿค”What is Jambalaya?
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
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quote mark
Featured Comment by Jon:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"Just cooked this one up a few hours ago. Very quick as described and definitely delicious! I'll definitely be doing this one again."

This easy jambalaya casserole recipe requires only minimal skill and mostly pantry ingredients. You will be amazed at how quickly this simple recipe comes together.

You can use Creole or the more common Cajun spice mix and the meats you want. For a more traditional jambalaya, skip the sour cream and cheese.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Chicken and Sausage Jambalayaโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Raw chicken with jambalaya ingredientsโ€”labeled.
chicken cut into cubes on a white board with a knife

1. Trim and cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.

cut up sausage with pepper and onion on a white board

2. Chop an onion, green pepper, and celery (optional). Cut the sausage into medallions.

cooking raw chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon

3. Cook the chicken in oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes.

adding sausage with veggies to the pan

4. Add the onion, green pepper, and sausage. Cook until veggies are tender, and the chicken is 165ยฐ internal tempโ€”about 10-12 minutes total. Add crushed garlic near the end of cooking.

pouring broth into the pan with cooked veggies and meat

5. Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Add drained diced tomatoes or RoTel, Cajun spice, sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste.

pouring rice into the pan

6. Bring to a boil, mix in instant rice, remove from heat, and cover.

mixing cheese into casserole

7. After 10 minutes, add shredded cheese and optional cooked shrimp.

jambalaya topped with cheese ready for the oven

8. Top with more shredded cheese.

cooked-cheesy-jambalaya-with-brown-topping

9. Place under broiler until nicely browned โ€” about 3 minutes.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

๐Ÿ“Meat options and variations

Use skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs. If you have chicken thighs, cook to 180ยฐ for tenderness.

You may use precooked chicken, like shredded rotisserie chicken. Substitute 2 cups of precooked chicken for the recipe's ยพ pounds of raw chicken. Skip the cooking of the chicken and add it with the sausage and vegetables, cooking until the veggies are tender.

Andouille sausage is the classic recommendation. It is made with chunkier cut meat instead of ground meat since it is frequently made with Cajun or Creole seasoning. Mexican Chorizo has similar spices but is ground meat. Smoked sausage or Kielbasa is also an excellent choice.

Use precooked sausage. If you choose sausage that needs to be cooked, it should be cooked along with the chicken to 165ยฐ.

Shrimp is optional. If added, add precooked shrimp after the rice is cooked when you are adding cheese. I don't suggest raw shrimp. It will not fit in the flow of the recipe and requires separate cooking, which complicates the recipe.

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๐Ÿง‚Spice options

Use a premixed cajun seasoning or creole seasoning mixture. I usually don't suggest mixes, but it is the best solution with the small amount needed for this recipe. There are 8 to 10 spices in a Creole or Cajun spice mix, and it is not worth your time to mix your own unless you have ongoing needs.

The amount of the spice mix can be adjusted up or down for your taste.

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Use drained diced tomatoes or Rotel if you want more heat.

๐Ÿซ‘Rice and vegetable options

Use instant rice like Minute Riceยฎ๏ธ. It is pre-cooked, and "cooking" is controlled rehydration that produces consistent results. The method of this recipe does not accommodate cooking other types of rice.

Just a red or green bell pepper and some chopped onion are enough. Add a rib of diced celery if you have it.

๐Ÿ„Dairy options

The sour cream and cheese mixture adds creaminess and other flavors, and the browned cheese topping adds flavor and texture.

This recipe works best with Monterey Jack, but other cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, Munster, or Havarti could be used.

Without the cheese and sour cream, which you may eliminate, this is a quick and easy chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe.

๐Ÿ“‹Other casserole recipes

Check out other casserole recipes, like Chili Mac, Old-Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, Mexican Chicken and Rice, and Cheesy American Goulash.

Smoked Sausage Pasta

This creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe is ready in only 30 minutes. It is a one-pan recipe for easy meals with smoked sausage and tender pasta cooked in a creamy tomato sauce and loaded with cheese.

spicy sausage pasta on fork 1200

๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing

Serve with a side salad or Cornbread, Cornbread Biscuits, Corn on the Cob, and Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

โ„๏ธStorage of leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freezing can change the texture of rice, and the dish may be mushy. I generally would not freeze this jambalaya.

Reheat in a microwave or oven.

If you decide to freeze, seal airtight and freeze for only 1 to 2 monthsโ€”thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

โ“FAQs

What pan to use to make Cheesy Jambalaya?

A 12-inch skillet works well. It needs to be oven-safe to go from the stovetop to the oven, relatively deep, and have a good lid. A Dutch oven will also work well. However, cast iron is not a good choice because tomato products interact with the material.

Do I need to use RoTel?

No. Rotel is diced tomatoes with green chilies and cilantro. It brings some nice flavor to the dish. There are spiced versions of Rotel, which I don't suggest for this recipe.

Using a can of diced tomatoes as a substitute, drain the liquid.

๐Ÿค”What is Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. It has roots in West African, Spanish, and French cultures and is somewhat related to paella.

The meat should include sausage, often smoked meat, and may have pork, chicken, and seafood.

Jambalaya can be either Cajun or Creole. One difference is that tomato products are used in Creole cooking but generally not in Cajun cooking. The spicing overlaps a lot but differs, with Cajun being hotter with peppers and Creole being more herbal. This recipe, with tomatoes, is Creole, but use either spice mix you have.

Some people get confused between jambalaya and gumbo. While the ingredients and spices are similar, gumbo is a simmered stew, and rice is served on the side. But rice is included in the recipe, and jambalaya is not simmered.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Cheesy chicken and sausage jambalaya on a fork-labeled.

Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

4.60 from 15 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
With delicious Creole flavor, this Cheesy Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's an easy recipe to make your own using Creole or Cajan seasoning; make it spicy or mild, and use the meats you want.
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :6 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Video Slideshow

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • ยพ pound Skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 onion - small
  • 8 oz smoked sausage - Andouilla, Chorizo, or smoked sausage
  • 2 gloves garlic
  • 14 oz chicken broth
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes-drained - or Rotel
  • ยฝ cup sour cream - lower fat is ok
  • 2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun spice
  • 2 cups instant rice
  • 1 ยฝ cup Monterey Jack cheese - shredded
  • salt and pepper to taste - Only add if needed
  • 8 oz cooked shrimp - optional
  • 1 rib celery - optional

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
    Raw chicken with jambalaya ingredientsโ€”labeled.
  • Trim and cut one pound of skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs into about 1-inch pieces.
    Trim chicken into cubes.
  • Chop 1 small onion and 1 green pepper. Cut 8 oz. of sausage into ยผ inch medallions.
    Trimming green pepper, onion and sausage.
  • Cook the chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes.
    Cooking chicken cubes in a skillet.
  • Add the onion, green pepper, and sausage. Cook until the veggies are tender and the chicken is 165ยฐ internal temperatureโ€”about 10-14 minutes. Then add two crushed or minced garlic cloves and cook another minute until fragrant.
    Adding vegetables and sausage to the skillet with the chicken.
  • Add 1 - 14 oz can of chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Add one 15-oz can of diced tomatoesโ€”drained OR 10 ยฝ oz can RoTel, 2 teaspoons Cajun spice, and ยฝ cup sour cream, and mix well. You can add some salt and black pepper here if you want.
    Adding broth to the cooked ingredients.
  • Turn the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of instant rice (Minute Riceยฎ๏ธ). Mix in well. Remove from heat and cover with a lid. Turn on the oven broiler.
    Mixing in instant rice.
  • After 10 minutes,ย  add ยฝ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and mix in well. Add 8 oz of cooked shrimp here if you want. Top with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
    Cover the raw dish with cheese.
  • Place under broiler until nicely brownedโ€”about 3-4 minutes.
    Bake the jambalaya to golden brown.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. For this method, the sausage should be precooked. If you want to use raw sausage, cook it with the chicken to 165ยฐ.
  2. The RoTel adds some spiciness. If you don't want that, use a can of diced tomatoes drained.
  3. Some Cajun and Creole spice mixes will have more salt, so taste test before adding salt.
  4. You can vary the meat, but be sure it is pre-cooked. Instructions for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken are in the post.
  5. The cheese can be your choice, or you can skip it.
  6. The sour cream adds a lot of creaminess but can be skipped.
  7. Jambalaya is well refrigerated for 3-4 days. I do not suggest freezing it since it affects the texture, but if you do, limit it to 1-2 months.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 390 kcal (20%)Carbohydrates : 31 g (10%)Protein : 31 g (62%)Fat : 15 g (23%)Saturated Fat : 8 g (40%)Cholesterol : 168 mg (56%)Sodium : 734 mg (31%)Potassium : 489 mg (14%)Fiber : 2 g (8%)Sugar : 3 g (3%)Vitamin A : 604 IU (12%)Vitamin C : 25 mg (30%)Calcium : 330 mg (33%)Iron : 4 mg (22%)

Editor's Note: Originally Published October 12, 2013. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Lilly running hard in snow.

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  1. Terrie says

    February 03, 2024 at 9:37 pm

    Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, trying to eat less carbs

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      February 04, 2024 at 9:40 am

      Hi Terrie,

      Welcome to the blog.

      I have never used cauliflower rice but part of the recipe timing is the cooking of the rice. The other components need to be cooked, so I would proceed to cook as instructed without the rice and add cooked cauliflower rice with the cheese near the end of cooking. That "should" work.Please comeback and report for others if you try it.

      Dan

  2. Tom says

    November 07, 2022 at 5:05 am

    4 stars
    If you leave out the sour cream and cheese, you have a pretty good traditional jambalaya. Those two ingredients make more of a jambalaya casserole. I decided to go with the sour cream and cheese topping plus a few changesโ€ฆ. Didnโ€™t have any chicken, but did have some shrimp which I precooked in Cajun spices and added at the very end. I added some cooked smoked ham with the sausage. No minute rice in the house so I precooked some basmati rice in broth and added it with the tomatoes. Enjoyed along with hot cornbread.

    Reply
  3. LisaD says

    December 07, 2018 at 7:41 am

    Hi DrDan: made your Crispy garlic chicken last night (so GOOD-YUM!) so I'm hooked...
    On this Jambalaya recipe; if quinoa or brown rice were used instead of white rice can you suggest how to make the adjustment? I would like to make this with shrimp tonight.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      December 07, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Hi Lisa,

      Welcome to the blog.

      The chicken broth is there for hydration of the minute rice. So I believe (but don't know since I have not done it).
      First, precook the brown rice or quinoa.
      Second, at step 6 skip the chicken broth and skip the minute rice in step 7. Then add the cooked rice or quinoa and simmer for a few minutes. No need to boil and no need to cover and wait. Then proceed with the cheese, etc.
      Again, just an educated guess but it should work. Report back if you try it.

      Dan

  4. CrazyNana says

    August 11, 2016 at 8:43 am

    This recipe had me hooked when I zeroed in on "Cheesy..."!!!

    Reply
  5. Jon Eric says

    October 19, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    5 stars
    Just cooked this one up a few hours ago. Very quick as described and definitely delicious! I'll definitely be doing this one again. Thanks, Doc!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 19, 2014 at 8:54 pm

      Thanks so much for the note and rating. I do really like this one.
      DrDan

  6. Chris says

    October 24, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I haven't had a cheesy jambalaya but wow, that looks really good with the cheese darkly browned for that rich flavor.

    Reply

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
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