Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a bold and hearty one-pot rice dish rooted in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cooking. Bursting with smoky sausage, tender chicken, plump shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, it’s a complete meal that’s rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, jambalaya delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

What makes jambalaya so special is its layering of flavors—from the “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery, to the deeply seasoned proteins and savory tomato base. It’s a celebration of Southern comfort and culinary tradition in every bite.

Try more comforting meals like Hungarian Chicken Paprikash or this hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup to round out your meal plan.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein:

• 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
  
• 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
  
• 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
  
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
  
• 2 celery stalks, diced
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
  

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  
• 1 bay leaf
  

Finish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  
• Hot sauce (optional)
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  
• Serves: 4–6
  

Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  
• Cutting board and sharp knife
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Ladle (for serving)
  

How to Make Jambalaya: Step-by-Step

1. Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sausage slices. Sauté until browned—about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Holy Trinity

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Base

Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and mix well.

4. Stir in Rice and Broth

Pour in the rice and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf. Stir everything together, then return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer Covered

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.

6. Add the Shrimp

Nestle the shrimp on top during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

7. Rest and Fluff

Once the rice is cooked and shrimp are done, remove from heat. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Fluff with a fork.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and add hot sauce if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 470
  
• Protein: 34g
  
• Fat: 20g
  
• Carbohydrates: 36g
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sugar: 4g
  
• Sodium: 860mg
  
• Cholesterol: 140mg
  

Tips for Success

• Use the Right Rice: Long-grain rice works best. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which may become mushy.
  
• Control the Heat: Adjust the level of cayenne and hot sauce to match your heat preference.
  
• Cook Shrimp Last: Always add shrimp toward the end to avoid rubbery texture.
  
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow time for the rice to absorb the liquid and develop flavor.
  
• Deglaze if Needed: If the pan starts to brown too quickly, splash a bit of broth in to loosen the flavorful bits.
  

Variations to Try

• Creole-Style: Add tomatoes, like in this version, for a more Creole-style jambalaya.
  
• Cajun-Style: Skip the tomatoes and use extra broth for a drier, Cajun-style version.
  
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and seafood; add chickpeas or okra and use vegetable broth.
  
• Spicy Jambalaya: Add sliced jalapeños or extra cayenne for a fiery kick.
  
• Jambalaya Pasta: Use cooked pasta instead of rice for a fun twist.
  

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store cooled jambalaya in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

To Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or microwave covered in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jambalaya is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s spicy, smoky, and comforting—and you only need one pot to make it happen. Whether you’re a fan of Creole cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish brings depth and culture to your kitchen in under an hour.

You can customize it endlessly, make it ahead, and it reheats like a dream. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and even weekly meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Jambalaya recipe is a vibrant celebration of Southern cooking—soulful, hearty, and absolutely loaded with flavor. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary adventure, with tender bites of chicken, smoky sausage, and juicy shrimp all nestled in seasoned rice.

Serve it up on a busy weeknight or for Sunday supper. No matter the occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jambalaya spicy?
It can be! This recipe has moderate heat, but you can adjust by changing the cayenne or omitting hot sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats very well and is even more flavorful the next day.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook and may need more liquid. Plan for 45–50 minutes of simmer time.

What if I don’t have andouille sausage?
Substitute with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chorizo for a similar effect.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Use long-grain rice and measure liquids accurately. Avoid over-stirring while it cooks.

For a lighter seafood option, you might also love this quick and citrusy 4-Ingredient Orange Salmon.