Sausage and chicken jambalaya is the perfect blend of Creole seasoning, onions, peppers, celery, sausage, chicken, and rice. Use the Instant Pot to prepare this meal in less time than the stove top version. Tender meats, flavorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice every time!
It’s rare that we make jambalaya, gumbo, or any Creole foods. Odd, too, because they are so tasty and always a hit. Since purchasing the Instant Pot, we’ve already made this sausage and chicken jambalaya more times than I can count, and gumbo is in the near future!
Don’t get me wrong, I love simmering a large pot of food on the stove top. It makes the house smell wonderful and imparts so much flavor. The reality is, I don’t always have time.
On those days, when we want a hearty dinner but don’t have time to babysit a pot on the stove, we use the Instant Pot. It’s quick, easy, and very low maintenance.
That’s kind of how we decided to make jambalaya. John asked for it, but we’ve been so busy lately that I didn’t think we’d have time to make it stove top.
The Instant Pot was a lifesaver. We took the usual ingredients like sausage, chicken, onions, celery, peppers, tomatoes, and seasonings, and adapted the process. It worked perfectly!
How to Make Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya:
This recipe involves a lot of sauteing, so start by setting the Instant Pot to saute. Add the oil, sausage, and chicken. Stir until the chicken is white on the outside.
The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked through, just cooked on the outside. It will cook the rest of the way later in the process. It only takes 3-5 minutes to cook the chicken. Then use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pan.
Leave the Instant Pot on saute and add the onions, celery, and peppers. Cook just until they’re soft then add the garlic. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, or it will become bitter.
Add the Creole seasonings, bay leaves, and thyme. Carefully place the sausage and chicken back in the pot and top with rice, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Give the jambalaya a quick stir, and close the lid. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing,” and set to high pressure (manual/pressure cook) for 10 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to natural release before doing a quick release.
After the quick release, remove the lid and stir the jambalaya. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately!
Tips for a Successful Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya:
- To ensure that you don’t get a burn warning, make sure to scrape the bits from the bottom of the pot. Some brands of sausage have a higher fat content and are less likely to stick. If needed, add a touch of extra oil in the beginning steps to keep food from sticking.
- If you don’t have Creole seasoning, swap it out with equal amounts of Cajun seasoning. We use 1-2 tablespoons depending on the spiciness of the sausage. The important thing is to flavor it to your liking!
- To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken and sausage are cut to similar sizes. The same goes for the vegetables.
- Many Instant Pot recipes are “dump and go” type recipes. This one needs to stirred to make sure the rice gets mixed with the liquids.
Have you tried our other Instant Pot Recipes?
- Spinach Dip
- Cheesy Hamburger Dip
- Deviled Eggs with Bacon
- White Rice
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
- Mac and Cheese
If you like this sausage and chicken jambalaya recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe card. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram searching for Berly’s Kitchen!

Sausage and chicken jambalaya is the perfect blend of Creole seasoning, onions, peppers, celery, sausage, chicken, and rice. Use the Instant Pot to prepare this meal in less time than the stove top version. Tender meats, flavorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice every time!
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable or Canola Oil
- 12 Ounces Andouille Sausage (sliced into circular pieces)
- 1 Pound Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes)
- 1 Medium, Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 Medium, White Onion (diced)
- 1 Medium Celery Stalk (chopped)
- 5 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
- 1 - 2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
- 3 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme (or substitute 1/2 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme; adjust to taste)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 (14 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
-
Set the Instant Pot to "Saute."
-
Add the oil, sausage, and chicken. Use a wooden spoon to turn, while scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the outside of the chicken is white.
-
Remove the sausage and chicken and drain on paper towels.
-
Add the onions, pepper, and celery stirring with the wooden spoon while scraping the bottom. Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
-
Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds while continuing to stir.
-
Add the Creole seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, cooked sausage and chicken, rice, tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine.
-
Close the lid, make sure the valve is set to "sealing," and set Instant Pot to high pressure (manual/pressure cook) for 10 minutes.
-
Allow the Instant Pot to natural release for 5 minutes before completing a quick release. Remove lid and stir.
-
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
*This recipe was made in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
*See the post for tips and best practices, specifically regarding how to avoid a burn warning.
Family and In-laws LOVED it!! Thanks!
Thank you, Eileen! We’re thrilled everyone enjoyed the jambalaya! Thank you for letting us know and rating the recipe. Have a lovely day 🙂
Used 1 tsp dried thyme, that is all I smelled when the lid was opened. Would cut it down to 1/2 or 1/4 tsp dried thyme. Otherwise, a great recipe. Dave.
Hi, Dave! Thanks so much for the feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the recipe and will make a note in the recipe regarding the thyme. Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
I have a question can I use instant rice
Good Morning, Debbie, I wouldn’t recommend it with this recipe because the liquid amounts and cook times are for the rice listed in the recipe. Have a great day 🙂