By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 4, 2023 | Last Updated on January 27, 2024
This Yard House jambalaya is inspired by the popular Cajun dish found at Yard House restaurants. This spicy and flavorful rice dish is a fusion of Southern flavors and traditional Creole cuisine, perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine.
By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home. So get ready to bring the taste of Louisiana into your kitchen with homemade Yard House jambalaya.
What is Yard House Jambalaya?
Yard House jambalaya is a spicy and flavorful rice dish that originated in Louisiana. It combines the traditional Creole flavors of Cajun cuisine with Southern influences, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.
The dish typically includes chicken, andouille sausages, vegetables, rice, and various seasonings such as garlic paste, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor, resulting in a complex and delicious dish that is sure to please any palate. Yard House jambalaya is often served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Cajun-inspired dishes.
Benefits of Making Jambalaya at Home
Making jambalaya at home not only allows you to customize the dish according to your preferences, but it also has many other benefits. One of the main advantages is that you have full control over the ingredients and can make substitutions or adjustments as needed.
Additionally, cooking at home can be a more cost-effective option compared to dining out at a restaurant. You can also ensure the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, making the dish even more delicious and nutritious. Plus, impress your friends and family with your homemade jambalaya skills!
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Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: This recipe uses boneless and skinless chicken thighs for a tender protein addition to the jambalaya.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful reduced-sodium chicken broth is used as the base for this dish, providing depth and savor.
- Yellow onions: Diced yellow onions bring a sweet aroma and flavor to the jambalaya.
- Andouille sausages: These robust sausages add a smoky and spicy kick to the dish, perfect for Cajun cuisine.
- White rice: Fluffy white rice serves as the hearty base for this jambalaya.
- Green bell peppers: Diced green bell peppers add a fresh and crisp crunch to the dish.
- Garlic paste: This ingredient adds a fragrant and intense garlic infusion to the jambalaya.
- Garlic powder: To further enhance the garlic flavor, garlic powder is added to the dish.
- Celery: Diced celery lends an earthy and satisfying crunch to the jambalaya.
- Tomato paste: This ingredient adds a rich and savory essence to the dish. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle, warming heat to the jambalaya.
- Creole seasoning: This seasoning blend is essential for imparting the flavors of the Bayou in this dish.
- Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder enhances the onion notes in the dish.
- Hot sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce to adjust the spiciness level of the jambalaya to your liking.
- Fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a robust and intense garlic essence to the dish.
- Smoked paprika: This ingredient imparts a smoky depth to the jambalaya.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken and Broth
- Begin by trimming off any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
- Cut each thigh into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in size.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up the chicken broth until it starts to simmer.
- Add the chicken pieces to the simmering broth and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the broth and set aside in a bowl.
Step 2
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic paste, garlic powder, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 3
Add the Rice and Sausage
- Add the rice to the pot and stir until it is well coated with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in 7 cups of the chicken broth from earlier (reserve 1 cup for later).
- Add the andouille sausages, cayenne pepper, Tony’s Creole seasoning, onion powder, hot sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
Step 4
Simmer and Finish
- Bring the jambalaya to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the jambalaya simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- If the jambalaya seems dry, add in some of the reserved chicken broth.
- Once done, add in the cooked chicken pieces and stir to combine.
Step 5
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your homemade Yard House jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.
Tips for Serving and Storing
- This jambalaya can be served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Cajun-inspired dishes.
- For an even spicier kick, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of seasonings accordingly.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition Information
How to store Yard House Jambalaya?
To store Yard House jambalaya, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Some tips for reheating include adding a splash of chicken broth to the jambalaya while heating to prevent it from drying out. You can also add in some extra protein or vegetables before reheating for a more substantial meal.
What other substitute can I use in Yard House Jambalaya?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Jambalaya is a versatile dish and can be customized to your liking. Some substitutions you can make include:
- Instead of chicken thighs, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or shrimp.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add in extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or squash.
- If you can’t find Andouille sausages, use another spicy sausage such as chorizo or hot Italian sausage.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free chicken broth and substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa.
Yard House Jambalaya Recipe
Equipment
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- 8 succulent boneless skinless chicken thighs providing tender protein
- 8 cups of flavorful reduced-sodium chicken broth infusing depth and savor
- 2 cups of sweetly diced yellow onions bringing aromatic sweetness
- 8 robust andouille sausages imparting a smoky, spicy kick
- 4 cups of fluffy white rice for a hearty base
- 2 cups of vibrant diced green bell peppers adding a fresh, crisp crunch
- 2 Tbsp. of Garlic Paste creating a fragrant and intense garlic infusion
- 2 Tbsp. of Garlic Powder intensifying the garlic aroma and taste
- 2 cups of earthy diced celery lending a satisfying crunch
- 4-6 Tbsp. of tomato paste adjust to taste for a rich, savory essence
- A pinch of Cayenne Pepper for a subtle, warming heat
- Creole seasoning to season according to your preference (bestowing the flavors of the Bayou)
- 2 Tbsp. of Onion Powder enhancing the onion notes
- Hot sauce of your choice to adjust the spiciness to your liking (personalize the dish’s heat level)
- ¼ cup of freshly minced garlic infusing robust garlic essence
- 2 tsp. of Smoked Paprika imparting a smoky depth
Instructions
- Begin by removing any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut the thighs into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1 inch in size. Using a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up the chicken broth until it reaches a simmering point. Gently add the chicken pieces to the simmering broth and allow them to cook for approximately 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the broth and transfer it to a separate bowl.
- In the same pot, add the diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery. Cook for around 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, introduce the garlic paste, garlic powder, and tomato paste to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes while continuously stirring.
- Time to add the rice and sausage. Introduce the rice into the pot and mix it well with the vegetable mixture. Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth from earlier (reserving 1 cup for later). Add the andouille sausages, cayenne pepper, Tony’s Creole seasoning, onion powder, hot sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the jambalaya to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and all of the liquid has been absorbed. If the jambalaya appears dry, add some of the reserved chicken broth as needed. Once cooked, incorporate the previously set aside chicken pieces and stir well.
- It’s time to serve your homemade Yard House jambalaya! Before plating, garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve hot.
Notes
- This jambalaya can be served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Cajun-inspired dishes.
- For an even spicier kick, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of seasonings accordingly.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
FAQs
Can I make Yard House Jambalaya in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use long-grain brown rice or even quinoa instead of white rice in this jambalaya. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on which type of rice you choose.
Is Yard House Jambalaya a spicy dish?
It can be as spicy or mild as you like, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you add. Adjust these seasonings to your liking for the perfect level of spiciness.
Is jambalaya a Cajun dish?
Yes, jambalaya originated from Louisiana and is considered a classic Cajun dish. It typically consists of rice, meat, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. However, this recipe is a recreation of Yard House’s version of jambalaya, which may have its own unique spin on the traditional dish.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make Yard House jambalaya at home, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious and comforting dish. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this jambalaya is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
