Smokey Chipotle Potatoes with Spicey Andouille Sausage & Green Chili Rice

A Southern Evening and a Smoky, Skillet Dinner

Tonight marked the first appearance of fireflies in the yard a sure sign that Southern summer nights are officially here. There’s something quietly magical about watching those tiny lights dance above the pasture while the frogs sing near the pond. Living near bayou country, Cajun flavors are part of everyday life. And while I love a good Cajun dish, I’ve had my fill lately and was craving something a little different but still bold, spicy, and full of flavor.

Tonight’s dinner?

Smokey Chipotle Potatoes with Spicy Andouille Sausage and Green Chili Rice.

Instead of traditional dirty rice, I gave my Spanish rice a makeover with red bell peppers, green chilis, and a chipotle seasoning blend. To match that flavor profile, I seasoned the potatoes similarly and roasted them alongside onions and the sausage in the oven. The end result? Smokey chipotle flavors-potatoes, spicey andouille sausage and a flavor packed chipotle green chili rice. An incredibly satisfying and spicy meal that hits all the right notes, chipotle, cumin, and a bit of heat from the sausage.

Smokey Chipotle Potatoes with Spicey Andouille Sausage & Green Chili Rice

Let’s Cook!

Preheat your oven to 375F. For roasting, I use my trusty 17-inch cast iron skillet, hands down my favorite and most used pan. It’s perfect for roasting everything, one skillet meals included, but feel free to use any large, oven-safe roasting pan you have on hand. This meal is actually very simple to put together and the oven does all of the work.

Smokey Chipotle Potatoes with Spicey Andouille Sausage ready to place in the oven

Here's what you need:

Ingredients:

• 2 packages of spicy Andouille sausage

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4–6 potatoes, quartered

• 1 tsp each of:

  • Ancho chili powder

  • Chipotle chili powder

  • Mexican seasoning blend (your favorite)

• Salt, pepper and dried oregano, to taste

• Avocado or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Oil your skillet or roasting pan to prevent sticking.

2. Place the Andouille sausage directly into the pan.

3. In a large bowl, toss together the potatoes and onion slices with a generous drizzle of oil and your spices: ancho chili powder, chipotle powder, and Mexican seasoning.

4. Spread the seasoned veggies around the sausage in the pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregano.

5. Roast for 50–60 minutes, turning the sausage halfway through for even browning.

6. Once the potatoes are golden and crisp and the sausage is sizzling, it’s time to serve!

   
   

   Meanwhile, Let's make the rice!

   
   

   

   Sauté onions and red bell pepper flakes in oil until soft

   
   

Green Chili Chipotle Rice

Ingredients

• 1–2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)

• ½ large white onion, finely chopped

• 1–2 tbsp dried red bell pepper flakes

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon (or bouillon paste)

• 4 cups water

• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ancho chili powder

• 1 tsp Mexican seasoning blend

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and dried red bell pepper flakes, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens.

3. Stir in the dry rice, and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and golden.

4. Add the green chilis, tomato paste, bouillon, and water. Stir well to dissolve the tomato paste and bouillon.

5. Mix in all the spices: chipotle powder, cumin, ancho chili powder, Mexican seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.

6. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Once the rice is nearly cooked and liquid is mostly gone, turn off the heat, but leave the lid on. Let it steam gently until ready to serve, this keeps it fluffy and prevents burning.

Pro Tips:

• Want extra kick? Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.

• You can use fresh red bell pepper instead of dried just sauté it with the onion.

• This rice makes great leftovers and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or veggie bowls!

Green chili and chipotle rice

This dish brings together the comforting warmth of roasted potatoes with the bold flavors of smoky chipotle chilis. There’s a certain joy in creating a meal that feels a little special without being fussy, especially one that fills the house with the rich, smoky scent of slow-roasted spices and savory sausage...even if it wasn't slow roasted! This dish blends bold, earthy flavors with the comfort of a home cooked meal, and it’s perfect for those laid-back evenings when the fireflies are out and the air feels just right. It’s a little rustic, a little fiery, and full of the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for one more bite. If you make it, I hope it brings a little joy and spice to your table too. It’s the perfect meal for a relaxed summer evening, fireflies optional but highly recommended!

Smokey Chipotle Potatoes with Spicey Andouille Sausage & Green Chili Rice plated.

As always, happy cooking!

Jennifer