Name: Instant Pot Jambalaya
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil; 12 ounces Andouille sausage (sliced); 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 2 celery ribs (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (divided); 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups long grain rice; 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce; 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 2 green onions (sliced)

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There’s something magical about the flavors of jambalaya that transports you straight to the heart of Louisiana. This one-pot wonder is a celebration of spices, seafood, and hearty proteins, all mingling together to create a dish that feels both comforting and exotic. With the Instant Pot, making jambalaya becomes a breeze, allowing you to enjoy all the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious Instant Pot Jambalaya in no time!

Why Instant Pot Jambalaya is Worth Your Time

Instant Pot Jambalaya is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The pressure cooking method locks in flavors and moisture, ensuring that each bite is packed with taste. Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means that you can have a hearty meal ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The combination of tender chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and succulent shrimp, all mingled with perfectly cooked rice and the kick of Creole seasoning, is simply unbeatable.

What’s in the Bowl

To make this flavorful Instant Pot Jambalaya, you will need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
12 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 green onions, sliced

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you get started, gather these essential tools:

Instant Pot: The star of the show for quick cooking.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping your veggies and proteins.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key to great flavor.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
Serving spoon: To dish out your delicious jambalaya.

Directions: Instant Pot Jambalaya

Follow these simple steps to create your Instant Pot Jambalaya:

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Chicken

Start by selecting the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Add the vegetable or olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown. Then, add the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Next, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning, along with the dried thyme and salt. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Incorporate Rice and Liquids

Stir in the long grain rice, ensuring it gets coated with the flavorful mixture. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, bay leaves, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the time for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. The residual heat will cook the shrimp perfectly in just a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste your jambalaya and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Substitutions by Diet

If you have specific dietary needs, here are some substitutions you can consider:

Gluten-Free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken and sausage with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and chickpeas.
Paleo: Omit the rice and use cauliflower rice as a substitute.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you’re good to go!

Avoid These Traps

To ensure your Instant Pot Jambalaya turns out perfect, keep these tips in mind:

Do not skip the sauté step. Browning the meats and vegetables builds flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes to become tender.
Don’t skip the natural pressure release—this helps the rice absorb more flavors.
Adjust the amount of liquid based on your rice type; some rice needs more moisture than others.

Storage Pro Tips

Leftovers are a delicious perk of making jambalaya! Here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, portion out the jambalaya into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw if frozen and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the moisture.

Your Top Questions

Can I use different types of meat in my jambalaya?

Absolutely! You can mix and match proteins based on your preference. Try using shrimp, chicken, and sausage, or even just one type of meat for simplicity.

What can I serve with jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or even coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.

How can I make my jambalaya spicier?

If you love heat, consider adding more Tabasco sauce or diced jalapeños. You can also increase the amount of Creole seasoning for an extra kick!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time in the Instant Pot.

Weekend Projects

If you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire, consider trying out these delicious recipes:

Hungry for More?

If you loved this Instant Pot Jambalaya, you won’t want to miss out on more incredible recipes that bring family and friends together. From hearty stews to sweet treats, there’s always something delicious waiting for you.

With this Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also infused with the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Happy cooking!