Save A vibrant and hearty one-bowl dish featuring bold Cajun spices, succulent chicken, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp, all simmered with vegetables and rice for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
The first time I made this jambalaya, my friends commented on how the aroma filled the whole house just as much as the flavors filled our bowls. It quickly became our go-to dish for weekend gatherings when everyone wants a bit of southern comfort.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 200 g (7 oz), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Andouille sausage or smoked sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 150 g (5 oz), peeled and deveined
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz), with juices
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp, store-bought or homemade
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp, adjust to taste
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp
- Sliced green onions: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- Add sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add remaining oil, then sauté onion, bell peppers, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add rice and spices:
- Add rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Stir to coat rice and vegetables in the spices.
- Add liquids:
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine proteins:
- Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add shrimp:
- Nestle shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook another 5 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, fluff with a fork, and garnish with parsley and sliced green onions before serving.
Save Jambalaya became an instant family favorite after my uncle paired it with his famous homemade cornbread. It is now our signature main dish for birthdays and spirited celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jambalaya hot, straight from the pot, with extra chopped parsley and green onions. It pairs perfectly with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold lager for a refreshing match.
Variations
For extra heat, add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce. Swap out the shrimp for more chicken or sausage, or try using brown rice for a whole grain option by increasing the liquid and cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: about 480 calories, 16 g fat, 51 g carbohydrates, 30 g protein. This makes it satisfying yet balanced for a weeknight dinner or party.
Save This Cajun Jambalaya rice bowl brings the spirit of Louisiana to your table. Get ready for bold flavor and cozy family moments in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of sausage works best?
Andouille or smoked sausage provides a smoky depth, but any flavorful sausage can be used to enhance the dish.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely. Increasing cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning will add more heat, while reducing them softens the flavor.
- → Is it possible to substitute shrimp?
Yes, extra chicken or sausage make great substitutes if shellfish is not preferred or available.
- → What rice type is recommended?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for absorbing flavors and maintaining texture, but brown rice can be used with longer cooking times.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.
- → What beverages pair well?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold lager balances the spice and richness beautifully.