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.
I still remember the first time I made Cajun jambalaya at home. The rich aromas filled my kitchen, and my family couldn&t wait to dig in. It&s become a go-to when we crave Southern comfort with a bit of a kick.
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 of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook sausage:
- Add sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside with chicken.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining oil, then onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add rice and spices:
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme 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 and simmer:
- Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook shrimp:
- Nestle shrimp on top of rice, cover, and cook another 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley and sliced green onions.
Save Cajun jambalaya is always a hit at our big family gatherings. Watching everyone reach for seconds reminds me how food brings us together and sparks lively conversation around the table.
Required Tools
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, chef&s knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp) and may contain gluten (sausage). Always verify labels for allergens, especially Cajun seasoning and sausage if sensitive.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~480. Total Fat: 16 g. Carbohydrates: 51 g. Protein: 30 g
Save Serve this jambalaya hot with crusty bread or on its own – the flavors only get better as it sits. Enjoy a true taste of the South at any family meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth and spices well, creating a fluffy texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, increasing or reducing cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning allows you to control the heat intensity to your preference.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Using a heavy-bottomed pot and stirring ingredients before simmering helps avoid sticking. Keeping the heat low during cooking also prevents burning.
- → Is it necessary to brown the chicken and sausage first?
Browning the meats adds depth of flavor and texture, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- → Can the shrimp be substituted?
Yes, you can replace shrimp with extra chicken or sausage for a different protein balance without affecting the cooking method.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh parsley and sliced green onions add color and a fresh herbal note that balances the smoky and spicy flavors.