Quick Chicken Jambalaya – Bold, Hearty, and Lightened Up

This Quick Chicken Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pan wonder that brings the bold, spicy essence of Cajun cooking straight to your table—without the heavy ingredients. Packed with lean chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty seasoning blend, it’s a satisfying meal you can whip up any night of the week. Best of all, it’s balanced, filling, and made in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Cajun Flavor – Smoky, savory, and just the right kick of spice.
One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Light but Filling – High in protein, low in unnecessary calories.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are softened.

Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked brown rice and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, until heated through and flavors are well combined.

Serve and Garnish
Spoon into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 28g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

Spice to Taste – Adjust the cayenne to your spice comfort level.
Add Veggies – Bulk it up with zucchini, okra, or spinach if you’d like.
Rice Options – Brown rice adds fiber, but you can use cauliflower rice for an even lighter option.
Make It Ahead – Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

This Quick Chicken Jambalaya delivers all the soul-satisfying flavor of the original dish but with smart ingredient swaps that keep it light and nutritious. Lean chicken provides filling protein, while veggies and spices bring bold flavor. Cooking it all in one pan keeps things simple and efficient—perfect for a wholesome, weeknight dinner.

Quick Chicken Jambalaya is the perfect solution when you want a warm, comforting meal packed with flavor—fast. With tender chicken, smoky spices, and hearty rice in every bite, it brings New Orleans flair to your kitchen without the fuss or extra calories.