Chicken Bakes

Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole

Name: Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced; 2 cups (400g) uncooked white rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By Willa Rutherford · June 19, 2026 · Chicken Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, comforting casserole on a chilly evening, and my Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole is just that. As a home cook, I love creating dishes that are both easy to make and satisfying to eat, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its tender chicken, savory sausage, and flavorful rice, it's a meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

I remember the first time I made this casserole for my family - it was a cold winter night, and we were all craving something hearty and comforting. I threw together some chicken, sausage, and rice, along with some spices and herbs, and popped it in the oven. The result was a dish that was not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it's also special enough for a weekend gathering or a holiday meal. The best part? It's incredibly versatile - you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients, and it's also a great way to use up leftover chicken or sausage.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole that's sure to become a favorite in your household. From the initial prep work to the final bake, I'll share my tips and tricks for creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

So, let's get started! With its combination of tender chicken, savory sausage, and flavorful rice, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients - so go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of a homemade casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
The combination of chicken, sausage, and rice provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
The casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken or sausage, reducing food waste and saving you money.
The dish is perfect for a special occasion or a holiday meal, and can be made in large quantities to feed a crowd.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its layering of flavors and textures. By combining tender chicken, savory sausage, and flavorful rice, we create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The use of onion, bell pepper, and garlic adds a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly, while the chicken broth and tomatoes provide moisture and a touch of acidity.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By browning the sausage and cooking the chicken in a skillet before adding the rice and other ingredients, we create a rich, caramelized crust that adds texture and flavor to the dish. The use of the oven to finish the casserole ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly and the top is crispy and golden brown.

Finally, the resting time after the casserole is cooked is crucial. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess moisture, resulting in a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. By following these simple steps and using a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole that's sure to impress your family and friends.

The combination of chicken, sausage, and rice in this recipe provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The use of chicken broth and tomatoes adds moisture and flavor without adding extra fat, while the onion, bell pepper, and garlic provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including chicken, sausage, rice, and spices. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken and sausage, and use a good quality rice that will hold up well to the cooking process. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as onion, bell pepper, and garlic, as well as some chicken broth and tomatoes to add moisture and flavor to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to check the labels and choose products that are low in sodium and added sugars. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose fresh, boneless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs work better in this recipe because they stay moist and tender during cooking.
1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, slicedUse a good quality smoked sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, but be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
2 cups (400g) uncooked white riceChoose a good quality white rice that will hold up well to the cooking process. You can also use brown rice if you prefer, but it will take longer to cook and may not be as tender.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, but olive oil works best in this recipe.
1 large onion, choppedChoose a large, sweet onion, such as Vidalia or yellow onion, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of onion, such as red or white onion, but sweet onions work best in this recipe.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer, but fresh garlic works best in this recipe.
1 large bell pepper, choppedChoose a large, sweet bell pepper, such as green or red bell pepper, for the best flavor. You can also use other types of bell pepper, such as yellow or orange bell pepper, but sweet bell peppers work best in this recipe.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesUse a good quality canned diced tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but canned tomatoes work best in this recipe because they are already cooked and seasoned.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothUse a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, but chicken broth works best in this recipe.
1 teaspoon dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme for the best flavor. You can also use other types of herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, but thyme works best in this recipe.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaUse smoked or sweet paprika for the best flavor. You can also use other types of paprika, such as hot paprika, but smoked or sweet paprika works best in this recipe.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to taste to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also use other types of seasoning, such as garlic powder or onion powder, but salt and pepper work best in this recipe.

Ingredients for Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerLarge bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
5
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
6
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8
Add the cooked chicken and sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 F (74 C) and the rice is tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
10
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
11
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips

Use a good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken or sausage, as this can make the casserole dry and tough.
Use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to cook the sausage and chicken, as this will help to prevent overcrowding and promote even browning.
Don't skip the step of toasting the rice, as this helps to bring out the flavor and texture of the rice.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess moisture.
Customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite spices or ingredients.
Use leftover chicken or sausage to make the casserole, as this can help to reduce food waste and save you money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken or sausage, which can make the casserole dry and tough.
Not using a large enough skillet or Dutch oven, which can lead to overcrowding and prevent even browning.
Skipping the step of toasting the rice, which can affect the flavor and texture of the rice.
Not using a thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Not customizing the recipe to your taste, which can result in a dish that is not flavorful or satisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced ham or chopped bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some heat to the casserole by using hot paprika or red pepper flakes.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the casserole for extra flavor and aroma.
Use leftover chicken or sausage to make the casserole, which can help to reduce food waste and save you money.
Make the casserole in a slow cooker, which can be a convenient and hands-off way to cook the dish.

What to Serve With Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole

Serve the Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. You can serve the casserole with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a green salad. The casserole is also a great option for a potluck or picnic, as it is easy to transport and serve.

Some other ideas for serving the casserole include:

Steamed vegetablesRoasted potatoesGreen saladGarlic breadFried okraHush puppies

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate the casserole, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze the casserole, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

To reheat the casserole, you can use the oven or the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C), then cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted. To reheat in the microwave, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Some tips for storing and reheating the casserole include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, for a unique flavor profile. Simply slice the sausage and cook it in the skillet with the onion and bell pepper.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the casserole, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture. Simply add the ingredients to the skillet with the sausage and onion and cook until they are tender.

Can I make the casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the casserole in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and cook the onion and bell pepper in a skillet, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

How do I reheat the casserole?

You can reheat the casserole in the oven or the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C), then cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted. To reheat in the microwave, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Can I make the casserole for a crowd?

Yes, you can make the casserole for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the casserole in a larger skillet or Dutch oven. You can also make the casserole in a slow cooker, which can be a convenient and hands-off way to cook the dish for a crowd.

Is the casserole spicy?

The casserole has a mild flavor, but you can add some heat to it by using hot paprika or red pepper flakes. Simply add the spices to the skillet with the sausage and onion and cook until they are fragrant.

Can I make the casserole without sausage?

Yes, you can make the casserole without sausage. Simply omit the sausage and add some extra chicken or other protein to the skillet. You can also use different types of protein, such as shrimp or chorizo, for a unique flavor profile.

The Full Recipe

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