Oven-baked jambalaya is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal that brings the spicy and savory flavors of Louisiana cuisine to your kitchen. It’s a hearty dish typically made with a combination of rice, vegetables, protein (such as chicken, sausage, or shrimp), and a blend of spices. Here’s a basic recipe for oven-baked jambalaya:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen or fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, combine the rice, chicken broth, chicken pieces, andouille sausage, chopped onion, chopped green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
- Check for Doneness:
- After the initial baking time, carefully remove the skillet or Dutch oven from the oven. Check the rice and chicken for doneness. They should be almost cooked through. If using shrimp, add them at this point.
- Continue Baking:
- Recover the skillet or Dutch oven and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked, the chicken is tender, and the shrimp (if added) turn pink and opaque.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the jambalaya is done, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Oven-baked jambalaya is a complete meal in one pot, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a robust and satisfying dish with a kick of Creole flavor. Enjoy your homemade jambalaya!