Instant Pot Jambalaya
Looking for a fast and simple way to create a hearty jambalaya? The Instant Pot has you covered. In just an hour, this appliance will effortlessly master the beloved Cajun dish. No need for pre-cooked rice or proteins, as the Instant Pot handles everything. Simply combine the rice, vegetables, chicken, and broth, and let the pressure work its magic, yielding perfectly tender jambalaya.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil e.g., canola
- 12 ounces andouille or smoked sausage sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 medium yellow onion chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped, seeds and ribs removed (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 medium stalks celery chopped (approx. 3/4 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning with salt or 2 teaspoons salt-free Cajun seasoning plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 scallions finely chopped for garnish
- Tabasco hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture.
- Step 2:
- Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and heat the neutral oil. Add the sausage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned, around 4-5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a medium-sized bowl and set it aside.
- Step 3:
- Into the Instant Pot, add the chopped bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, dried bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning with salt (or 1 teaspoon of the salt-free Cajun seasoning plus 1 teaspoon salt). Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Season the chicken pieces with the remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning with salt (or 1 teaspoon salt-free Cajun seasoning plus 1 teaspoon salt). Add the seasoned chicken, rinsed rice, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine, then press “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté setting. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Pressure Cook” on High for 8 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release to release any remaining steam.
- Step 5:
- Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Stir in the reserved sausage until evenly mixed. Garnish with the chopped scallions and serve with Tabasco hot sauce on the side for an optional kick.