Save to Pinterest 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.
This jambalaya holds a special place for me because the medley of chicken, sausage, and shrimp reminds me of lively family gatherings in Louisiana. Each time I cook it, I am transported back to those evenings filled with laughter and stories around the table.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 200 g (7 oz), 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
- Brown Chicken:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- Add sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside with chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add remaining oil, onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine Rice & Spices:
- Add rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Stir to coat the rice and vegetables.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Return Chicken & Sausage:
- Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Nestle shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook another 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finishing Touch:
- Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Save to Pinterest We always make this dish for Sunday suppers because everyone helps out in the kitchen, and that teamwork is as satisfying as the meal itself. It is a family tradition to gather around the stove, anticipating the flavorful results together.
Required Tools
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon make prep easy and efficient.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may contain gluten if your sausage is not gluten-free. Confirm store-bought seasonings and sausage for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers about 480 calories, 16 g fat, 51 g carbohydrates, and 30 g protein for a balanced, hearty bowl.
Save to Pinterest Keep the jambalaya warm for second helpings—the flavors become even better as they mingle. Enjoy the Southern comfort with loved ones and savor every spoonful.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What proteins are used in this dish?
Chicken thighs, Andouille or smoked sausage, and large shrimp create a combination of tender and smoky flavors.
- → Which spices give the dish its Cajun character?
Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf contribute to the distinctive bold and smoky profile.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, simply increase or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce to control spiciness.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Long-grain white rice is preferred for its texture, but brown rice can be used with extra liquid and longer cooking time.
- → How should I garnish the dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions provide fresh color and flavor contrast just before serving.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if gluten-free sausage is used; otherwise, check sausage ingredients to avoid gluten contamination.