Chicken & Tasso Jambalaya
"Jambalaya is a descendent of paella, brought to New Orleans by the Spanish. The name derives from jamon, or ham, but colloquially, the term means "clean up the kitchen". The dish is a delicious way to use leftovers so they don't go to waste. I have seen both shrimp and chicken versions, but all jambalaya's contain ham. Tasso, often referred to as Cajun ham, is smoked and very spicy with a peppery crust. This version uses boneless skinless chicken breasts for a very simple and quick preparation. I also suggest using thighs, which are not lean, but less likely to dry out. Adapted from Chef Virginia Willis' cookbook, "Bon Appetit, Y'all"."
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (419.1 g)
- Calories 660.6
- Total Fat - 29.6 g
- Saturated Fat - 9.3 g
- Cholesterol - 81.9 mg
- Sodium - 1033.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 66.2 g
- Dietary Fiber - 3.8 g
- Sugars - 5.2 g
- Protein - 30.7 g
- Calcium - 105 mg
- Iron - 3 mg
- Vitamin C - 9.2 mg
- Thiamin - 0.7 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil and butter over high heat until shimmering.
Step 2
Add the tasso and cook until the meat starts to brown and render fat, about 3 minutes
Step 3
Add the chicken and sprinkle with the Creole seasoning (If using tasso, go easy on the spice, otherwise it may be too hot).
Step 4
Continue cooking over high heat until the chicken is just beginning to color, about 3 minutes, and remove the meat to a plate.
Step 5
Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the residual oil in the skillet.
Step 6
Cook until the vegetables start to color, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes.
Step 7
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 45-60 seconds.
Step 8
Add the rice and stir to coat.
Step 9
Stir in the tomato sauce and chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Step 10
Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, stirring once, until the rice is tender, 40-45 minutes.
Step 11
Remove from the oven to a rack to cool slightly.
Step 12
Taste and adjust for seasoning, and serve immediately.
Tips
No special items needed.