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    Home » Real Food » 30-Minute Meals » Quinoa Jambalaya

    Quinoa Jambalaya

    By Kristen Chidsey | 52 Comments | Published February 2, 2017 | Updated January 14, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Quinoa Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot dish that is full of incredible flavor! This jambalaya is packed with protein and packs a hefty punch of spice.

    Quinoa Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot dish that is full of incredible flavor! This jambalaya is packed with protein and packs a hefty punch of spice.

    Quinoa Jambalaya in dutch oven pan with wooden spoon

    There is something about one pot meals.

    Maybe because it means fewer dishes--and if you are like me, you HATE dishes.

    Or maybe it is because it is easy. And who doesn't love easy on busy weeknights?

    Either way, I am sure you all need more Healthy 30 Minute Meals or Gluten Free 30 Minute Meals in your life like my latest remake of a family favorite.

    I have been making jambalaya for years for my family. Well, with rice, but I thought let's change it up with quinoa that to make this dish higher in protein.  

    And I am glad I made that subtle change. Of course, you can sub out rice for the quinoa, you will just need to cook the dish longer, as brown rice takes nearly an hour to cook. Or simply make my Instant Pot Jambalaya with Rice. 

    But this recipe means less time to get dinner on the table and double the protein. SCORE!

    Key Ingredients

    I use homemade chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cubed chicken breast, all-natural beef kielbasa, diced green pepper and onions, garlic, quinoa, and spices

    *Note about Kielbasa: I buy high quality no preservative and nitrate-free Beef or Pork Kielbasa. I only use one small link and freeze the remaining. A little bit adds tons of flavor to so many dishes.

    Ingredients for Quinoa Jambalaya on cutting board

    How to Make Quinoa Jambalaya

    Are you ready for this? Dump and Stir. No seriously, it is that easy!

    While it is best to saute the chicken with the onions and peppers before cooking to develop flavor, oftentimes I skip this step to speed up the process of dinner--or to allow me the ability to help my kids with their homework while dinner is cooking. The overall impact is minimal.

    Then dish it up with some extra hot sauce and maybe a Spinach Avocado Salad on the side and dinner is done.

    White bowl filled with quinoa Jambalya

    More One-Pot Recipes

    • Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
    • Creamy Cajun Pasta
    • One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese
    Pot of Quinoa Jambalaya with wooden sppon

    Quinoa Jambalaya

    Quinoa Jambalaya is a 30-minute one-pot dish that is full of incredible flavor! This jambalaya is packed with protein and packs a hefty punch of spice.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 197kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • ½ tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
    • 1 link about 2 oz of all natural smoked sausage or kielbasa
    • ⅓ cup diced green pepper
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
    • 1 can low-sodium petite diced tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a heavy bottom skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add in the chicken, kielbasa, peppers, and onions. Saute for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and the onions are softened.
    • Add the stock, quinoa, garlic, tomatoes, and cajun seasoning to the pan and stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Allow to cook for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is puffed up and liquid is absorbed.
    • Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce and serve.

    Notes

    Alternatively, prepare this meal in the slow cooker by mixing all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Serve with additional hot sauce. 
    If you are short on time, skip browning the chicken and peppers in the skillet and just add all the ingredients, minus the oil into the stock pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1.5mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

     

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Martin

      February 13, 2022 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      We really enjoyed this! I used turkey kielbasa. I will definitely be making this again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 14, 2022 at 6:23 am

        Thanks for sharing Jessica! SO happy to hear you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Margaret Stanley

      June 23, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      Great to have this low carb alternative and it gives you the tastes and seasoning you expect. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Michela

      September 08, 2019 at 8:59 am

      4 stars
      This recipe looks delicious and I’m looking forward to trying it out. I assume I should be using pre-cooked chicken? Not raw? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 08, 2019 at 1:44 pm

        Hi Michela, This recipe is using raw chicken--20 minutes for cubed chicken is more than enough time to cook it.

        Reply
        • Katie

          January 13, 2021 at 1:09 pm

          Hi! This doesn't specify if the quinoa should be cooked in advanced - for both on the stove top as well as the slow cooker?

          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            January 13, 2021 at 3:33 pm

            The quinoa should NOT be cooked first, just add to slow cooker or pan.

            Reply
      • Kobe Largeman

        September 20, 2021 at 1:28 pm

        Definitely use raw chicken, thighs work best! After the veg gets caramelized add the chicken cubes and get some nice browning, then add the quinoa and toast it a little before adding liquid. Absolutely delicious.

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          September 20, 2021 at 2:21 pm

          So happy to hear you enjoyed Kobe!

          Reply
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