Spicy Jambalaya Soup with Andouille Sausage and Chicken Recipe
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.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma and softens.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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