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Spicy Jambalaya Soup with Andouille Sausage and Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 53 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Spicy Jambalaya Soup featuring andouille sausage and tender chicken thighs, simmered with aromatic Cajun spices, bell peppers, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes. This comforting one-pot meal combines tender rice and bold seasonings for a satisfying dinner packed with Southern flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1/2 pound andouille or smoked sausage, thinly sliced (8 ounces)
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

Liquids & Others

  • 28 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Grains & Spices

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear and drained (use 1 cup for soupier consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes & Serving

  • Hot sauce, for serving
  • Chopped green onion
  • Chopped parsley
  • Red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sliced andouille sausage. Cook while stirring for 3-4 minutes until the meat is browned and mostly cooked through.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma and softens.
  4. Bloom Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasonings, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
  5. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and fire roasted diced tomatoes. Add a little hot sauce here if desired. Place the dried bay leaves on top.
  6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors, adjusting cooking time to your rice texture preference.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Garnish the soup with chopped green onions, parsley, and red chili flakes. Serve hot with additional hot sauce on the side for extra heat.

Notes

  • For a soupier consistency, reduce the rice to 1 cup instead of 2.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
  • Make sure to rinse the rice until water runs clear to prevent it from becoming sticky.
  • Chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture—feel free to substitute with chicken breast if desired.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Keywords: jambalaya, spicy soup, andouille sausage, chicken jambalaya, Cajun recipe, one pot meal, comfort food, Cajun soup