The aroma of Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya wafts through the air, enticing you with its rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and colorful veggies. Each spoonful bursts with flavor, making your taste buds dance in delight.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends. Its vibrant colors and comforting warmth create an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to the table for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this jambalaya a weeknight winner.
- Its bold flavors and hearty textures will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- The stunning presentation is sure to impress your guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what’s in your fridge.
I remember the first time I made Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya. My friends couldn’t get enough of it, and there was barely a spoonful left by the end of the night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken adds quick flavor and tenderness without much prep work.
Long-Grain Rice: This type of rice cooks evenly in the flavorful broth while keeping its structure.
Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness and depth; use yellow or white for best results.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only add crunch but also brighten up the dish visually.
Celery: Diced celery contributes a nice crunch and balances the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic kick that makes everything taste better.
Spices (Cajun Seasoning): Use a mix of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme to capture that classic Cajun flair.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while enhancing the flavor.
Canned Tomatoes (Diced): These add moisture and acidity that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions make a fresh garnish that brightens up each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya
Start by preparing your ingredients. Gather everything you need: diced onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, spices, shredded chicken, rice, canned tomatoes, and broth.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery; sauté until soft and fragrant—about five minutes.
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about one minute until spices bloom and fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.
Add Rice & Liquid: Pour in rice along with diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer; cover tightly.
Add Shredded Chicken: After about 15 minutes when rice absorbs most liquid yet remains slightly firm, fold in shredded rotisserie chicken gently into the mixture.
Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Allow everything to cook together for another 5-10 minutes until rice is fully cooked through; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve & Garnish!: Remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve hot garnished with fresh green onions on top!
Now you’ve got a delicious pot of Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya ready to steal the show! Enjoy every spicy bite!
You Must Know
- Rotisserie chicken jambalaya is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken.
- The spices and flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your aromatics like onions and bell peppers before adding the rice and broth. This ensures your jambalaya is flavorful from the get-go.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins or add shrimp for an extra seafood twist. Experiment with different spices to personalize your jambalaya experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve optimal flavor, let the dish rest after cooking; this allows all the ingredients to meld together nicely.
- Always taste as you cook; adjusting seasonings is key.
- Lastly, don’t rush—give your ingredients time to develop their full potential.
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of cooking with my mom on rainy Sundays, where we’d make a big pot of jambalaya and enjoy it while watching old movies.
FAQ
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can easily substitute cooked turkey or any leftover grilled chicken for similar results.
How spicy is rotisserie chicken jambalaya?
The spice level can vary; adjust seasonings based on your family’s heat preferences.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with beans or extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian jambalaya.
Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya
Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of Rotisserie Chicken Jambalaya—a vibrant one-pot dish that combines tender shredded chicken, colorful veggies, and fragrant spices. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, every bite bursts with warmth and comfort. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this jambalaya will have your guests coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, bell peppers, and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover.
- After about 15 minutes, gently fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Continue simmering for an additional 5–10 minutes until the rice is cooked through. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor depth, sauté aromatics longer before adding liquid. - Feel free to mix in shrimp or other proteins for variety. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.
