Best Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe
Instant Pot Jambalaya is a fantastic recipe to make in the pressure cooker. I love how the Instant Pot cajun recipe infuses all the flavors together in just a short amount of time.
This jambalaya includes shrimp, chicken, sausage, and vegetables like bell peppers and celery. It has Cajun seasoning for that added kick of flavor. Serve with some delicious crusty bread for a delicious meal!
Learn how to cook Instant Pot Jambalaya today! It’s a great New Orleans dish and the perfect rice dish for mardi gras.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe
- Spice and Everything Nice: This recipe offers a rich, spicy flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- Quick and Convenient: The Instant Pot makes this complex dish simple and fast to prepare.
- Versatile Ingredients: Jambalaya can be customized with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
Instant Pot Jambalaya Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the ingredients and helps to prevent sticking in the Instant Pot.
- Andouille Sausages: Adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish, giving it that classic jambalaya taste.
- Boneless Chicken Tenders: Adds protein and a savory taste to the jambalaya, contributing to its heartiness.
- Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Add texture, sweetness, and a variety of flavors to the dish.
- Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthy flavor to the jambalaya.
- Jalapenos: Provide a mild heat and a hint of spiciness to the dish, adding depth and complexity.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor of the jambalaya with its aromatic and savory notes.
- Basmati Rice: The grain of choice for this recipe, it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the jambalaya.
- Salt: Enhances the taste of the other ingredients and brings all the flavors together.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds a robust and spicy flavor profile to the jambalaya, giving it that signature Cajun kick.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse the jambalaya with a subtle herbal aroma and flavor.
- Thyme: Adds a delicate and earthy note to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
- Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly acidic element to the jambalaya, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock: Provides a savory base for cooking the rice and infuses it with rich flavor.
- Cooked Shrimp: Adds a seafood element to the jambalaya, bringing a tender texture and a taste of the sea.
- Green Onions: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh and mild onion flavor, as well as a pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Jambalaya ?
Here are the instructions for making this tasty Instant Pot Jambalaya.
Step One: Chop and Slive the Ingredients
Chop the onion, peppers, jalapenos, and celery. Next, slice the andouille sausage and cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces.
Step Two: Saute in Your Instant Pot
Set the Instant Pot to Saute and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes.
Add the chopped chicken tenders to the Instant Pot to brown. Brown for 3 minutes. Stirring occasionally so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step Three: Deglaze the Instant Pot
Turn the Instant Pot off. Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot and deglaze.
Add onion, peppers, celery, garlic, jalapenos, salt, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Stir to mix the vegetables and seasoning.
Step Four: Add Rice and Tomatoes
Add the rice and the can of tomatoes into your Instant Pot and stir to combine.
Step Five: Pressure Cook the Instant Pot Jambalaya
Put the lid on the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the pressure cooker has finished cooking let it rest for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Step Six: Add Sausage and Shrimp to the Jambalaya
Carefully unlock the Instant Pot lid and stir the cooked shrimp and sausage into the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon.
Replace the lid and let it rest for another 5 minutes. The residual heat will warm the sausage and shrimp.
Step Seven: Serve and Garnish Your Jambalaya Instant Pot Meal
Serve your one-pot meal in a medium bowl and garnish with sprinkled green onions.
Every time I make this, I just can’t wait to dig in. The shrimp is delicious and this Instant pot jambalaya has quickly become one of my favorite recipes.
Don’t Overcook Your Pressure Cooker Jambalaya
Be sure not to overcook this Instant Pot Jambalaya and let it rest for the recommended amount of time before serving. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any excess liquid.
If you find that your jambalaya is still a bit mushy, try stirring in some extra cooked rice just before serving to help absorb any excess moisture. Enjoy!
What to Eat With Jambalaya?
Wondering what goes with Jambalaya? Here are some top ideas of what to serve with shrimp and sausage Jambalaya.
- – A green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
- – Sauteed collard greens or broccoli
- – Cornbread or biscuits
- – A crusty French baguette for soaking up any extra sauce
- – Fresh fruit salad as a refreshing side dish
You could also add some heat to your meal by serving hot sauce on the side. This pressure cooker jambalaya is a great recipe for serving as the main dish at a party or family gathering.
Serve this Jambalaya Instant Pot recipe with some cold drinks and your fav sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Best Way to Store Jambalaya
The best way to store jambalaya leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Jambalaya F&Qs
What Is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a popular dish in Louisiana. It typically includes meat or seafood, vegetables, and rice all cooked together in one pot.
Where Did Jambalaya Originate?
Jambalaya is believed to have originated in Louisiana, with its roots in Spanish and French cuisine.
The word “jambalaya” comes from the Provençal French word “jambalaia,” which means a mix of various ingredients.
How to Pronounce Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is pronounced “jam-buh-LIE-yah” or “jam-buh-LAY-uh.”
Is Jambalaya Healthy?
Jambalaya can be a healthy dish depending on the ingredients used. This Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe includes protein, vegetables, and rice for balanced nutrition. Feel free to add in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients.
Is Jambalaya Spicy?
Jambalaya can be spicy depending on the type of sausage and seasonings used. This Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe includes cajun seasoning for a bit of spice, but feel free to adjust the amount to your desired taste.
Why Make Instant Pot Jambalaya?
I simply love that this Jambalaya dish is made with so many fresh ingredients. It’s always fun to see how a dish can come together with fresh meat and veggies. I adore all of the different spices in this dish too.
Do You Cook Shrimp Before Adding to Jambalaya?
This Instant Pot jambalaya recipe uses cooked shrimp. However, you do not have to cook the shrimp before adding it to Jambalaya.
It is possible to use frozen shrimp as the pressure cooking process can allow raw shrimp to cook perfectly. This easy jambalaya recipe uses cooked shrimp.
Can You Use Brown Rice for This Jambalaya Recipe?
This recipe uses basmati rice. However, feel free to substitute brown rice for this Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe. However, note that the cooking time may vary as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. You could also switch to long grain white rice or jasmine rice.
Can You Make Jambalaya Ahead of Time?
Jambalaya can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat the jambalaya in the Instant pot, on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Vegetable Goes With Jambalaya?
Here are some vegetable sides that go with Jambalaya.
– Sauteed bell peppers
– Sautéed sliced mushrooms
– Corn on the cob
– Southern style green beans with bacon
– Roasted okra
– Baked sweet potato wedges
Mix and match these veggies to create a complete and balanced meal. It’s also perfect for mardi gras or a southern-style dinner party. Enjoy!
How To Keep Jambalaya Warm?
If you have leftovers or need to keep the jambalaya warm for a potluck or party, keep the jambalaya in the Instant pot on the “keep warm setting” until you leave for your destination.
Can You Freeze Jambalaya?
Yes, Instant Pot jambalaya freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How To Reheat Jambalaya?
To reheat this chicken and sausage jambalaya, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stove or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy!
How to Keep Rice From Getting Mushy in Jambalaya?
One tip for keeping the rice in Jambalaya from getting mushy is to only use basmati or jasmine rice. These types of rice have a lower moisture content than other varieties like brown rice, so they hold up better during cooking.
What’s the Difference Between Gumbo and Jambalaya?
Gumbo is typically made with a roux base and often has shellfish, while jambalaya does not have a roux base and usually includes chicken, sausage, and shrimp.
Can I Use Another Type of Sausage in Jambalaya?
This recipe uses andouille sausages however you can switch out the andouille sausage for other types like smoked sausage or even chorizo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of sausage used.
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast for Instant Pot Jambalaya?
Either skinless chicken thighs or breast can be used in this recipe. Just add chicken into the inner pot when instructed and it should pressure cook just fine.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Jambalaya?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in additional vegetables like bell peppers, okra, and even diced tomatoes.
Does Jambalaya Have Okra?
Some jambalaya recipes do include okra, however, it is not required for authentic jambalaya. This recipe does not call for okra but feel free to add in if desired.
Is Jambalaya Gluten Free?
Jambalaya is not gluten-free. This recipe includes chicken broth and andouille sausage with both contain gluten.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free chicken broth and substitute the andouille sausage for a gluten-free sausage or protein like shrimp or chicken.
Is Jambalaya Cajun or Creole?
Jambalaya is a dish that originated in Louisiana and can be either Cajun or Creole.
This recipe is made with cajun seasonings and includes smoked sausage, making it Cajun-style jambalaya. To make it an authentic creole jambalaya recipe, swap out the sausage for ham and add diced tomatoes to the mix.
Can I Add More Spices to This Pressure Cooker Jambalaya?
Yes, you certainly can add more spices to this one-pot meal. Some like to add garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika or creole seasoning.
What if I Get the Burn Message?
If you get the burn message, it means there is not enough liquid in the pot.
Make sure to scrape the bottom of the inner pot before pressure cooking to release any brown bits and add additional chicken broth if needed. If necessary, quickly release pressure and add more liquid before continuing with the recipe as directed.
Instant Pot Cajun Jambalaya
Instant Pot Cajun Jambalaya Recipe is not just a simple dish but a dish created with love
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 8 oz andouille sausage
- 5-6 boneless chicken tenders, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 jalapenos, diced seeds removed
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leafs
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz ( 16-20 ) cooked shrimp, thawed shells removed
- Green onions diced for garnish
Instructions
Chop the onion, peppers, jalapenos, and celery. Next slice the andouille sausage and cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Add the chopped chicken tenders to the Instant Pot to brown. Brown for 3 minutes. Stir so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Turn the Instant Pot off.
Add the chicken broth to the instant pot to deglaze. Add the onion, peppers, celery, garlic, jalapenos, salt, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Stir to mix the vegetables and seasoning.
Add the rice and mix. Add the can of tomatoes and stir to combine. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and set it for Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the pressure cooker has finished cooking let it rest for 5 minutes, then manually release the pressure. Take the lid off and stir the cooked shrimp and sausage into the Instant Pot.
Replace the lid and let it rest for another 5 minutes to warm the sausage and shrimp. Serve sprinkled with green onions.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 553Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 1463mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 52g
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