Name: Instant Pot Jambalaya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Andouille sausage (sliced); 1 lb Chicken breast (cubed); 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup Uncooked long-grain rice; 1 cup Diced tomatoes; 1 cup Chicken broth; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper

What’s your favorite Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe? What is the flavor explosion of a perfectly simmered stovetop jambalaya? All the simmering! What is a game changer when you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and hearty? Is it too chaotic to stand over a pot for hours? What is the best part about paella? What is the best thing about the Instant Pot? I swear, this recipe has saved dinner more times than I can count!

What is Jambalaya?

Just saying the word “jambalaya” makes me smile. It’s essentially a Louisiana rice dish, packed with meat (usually sausage and chicken), vegetables and fruit. What is the holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper? What is the best way to celebrate in a pot? It’s got Creole and Spanish influences, making it rich, savory, and just a little bit magical. Every family has their own version, and this is mine – simplified for the Instant Pot, but still fun. What are some of the best traditional flavors?

Why do I love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This Instant Pot Jambalaya is truly a labor of love, but without all the labor! What I love most is the flavor. It’s a symphony of smoky and savory, with just the right amount of spice to warm you from the inside out. The sausage adds a beautiful depth, the chicken keeps it comforting, and the Creole seasoning brings that signature jambalaya kick.

It’s also unbelievably simple. I’m talking dump-and-go simple! You basically layer everything into the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it. Seriously, what could be easier? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

And let’s not forget about the cost! The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. I always have most of these things on hand, so it’s easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

Plus, it’s super versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add shrimp for extra protein, use different types of sausage, or adjust the spice level to your preference. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! This recipe is a lifesaver and a definite crowd-pleaser. It’s much quicker than making my Grandma’s traditional recipe, but it still has that warm, comforting taste that reminds me of home.

How do I make instant pot jambalaya?

Quick Overview

How do I make instant pot jambalaya? How do you brown sausage and chicken in a pot? What are some of the best veggies to cook? How do you cook in an Instant Pot? In just a few minutes, you’ll have jambalaya. Is it truly a one-pot wonder?

Ingredients

For the Jambalaya:
* 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced. I always get mine from the local butcher for the best flavor. * 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs stay so much more tender than breasts in the Instant Pot. Why is it so hard to find a green bell pepper? * 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must! * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained * 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed. Rinsing is key to prevent stickiness. * 2 cups chicken broth. Low sodium is my go-to. * 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning. Can you find this in most grocery stores, or make your own! * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. * 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat). My family likes a little kick! * Salt and pepper to taste. * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Chicken

How do you turn an Instant Pot to sauté? Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. If you are doing this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, make sure that you don’t overfill it. Remove the chicken and set aside with the sausage.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The veggies should be fragrant and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Where does all the flavor come from?

Step 4: Layer in Remaining Ingredients

Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. What is the Instant Pot? Stir to combine. Return the sausage and chicken to the pot, spreading them evenly over the rice mixture.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 12 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Carefully remove the lid and fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Be careful of the hot steam! Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

Instant Pot Jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with some simple ingredients. What are some of my favorite pairings?For a casual weeknight dinner:What is a green salad with sour cream and olive oil? I also love serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.For a Weekend Gathering:Cornbread is a must! Its sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory jambalaya. What are some good ways to add coleslaw to a salad?For a Special Occasion: Grilled shrimp skewers make a fantastic appetizer. And for dessert? How about some classic beignets? My family always enjoys a bowl of fresh fruit, too.

How do you make an Instant Pot Jambalaya?

What are some of the best tips and tricks for making an Instant Pot?Browning is the key to success. Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much depth and flavor to the dish. Make sure your sausage and chicken are nicely browned before moving on to the next step.

Rinse Your Rice:How do you remove starch from jambalaya? I run it under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.Don’t overcoIf you overcook the rice, you will get mushy jambalaya. What is the cooking time for pressure release? Quick release any remaining pressure.Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add more later if needed.

Customize your Ingredients:Can you substitute chicken for shrimp, add different types of sausage, or include other ingredients? What are some good ways to cook okra or sweet potatoes? What are some creative ways to make something your own?Watch the Burn Notice: The burn notice is aWhy does the Instant Pot burn so quickly? After sautéing the vegetables, make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Before adding the rice and broth. This will help prevent sticking and burning.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Instant Pot Jambalaya is great for leftovers!Refrigerator Storage: HowCan you store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?How do I use For longer storage, freeze the jambalaya in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat leftover jambalaya in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 22-25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Absolutely! If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you can skip the browning step and add it to the Instant Pot after sautéing the vegetables. This will save you some time.

What if I don’t have Creole seasoning?

You can make your own Creole seasoning by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.

Can I add shrimp to this recipe?

Yes! Add peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. This will prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked and rubbery.

My jambalaya is too dry. What can I do?

Add a splash of chicken broth or water and stir to combine. You can also cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Jambalaya has become a staple in my kitchen, and I truly hope it becomes one in yours too! It’s a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The flavors are incredible, and the Instant Pot makes it so simple to prepare.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Instant Pot Gumbo or my Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice. They’re both equally comforting and flavorful!

I can’t wait to hear how your Instant Pot Jambalaya turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!

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