This Cajun Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with chicken, shrimp, and sausage. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The spices make it quite lively, too.
I love how everything cooks together in one pot, making meal time super easy and cleanup a breeze. Plus, who can resist that delicious smell wafting through the kitchen? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this jambalaya. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute for extra flavor and juiciness.
Sausage: Andouille sausage gives that authentic Cajun kick. If you can’t find it, kielbasa or any smoked sausage will do; just make sure it has a nice flavor.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect for this dish. If you’re on a budget, you can use frozen shrimp instead—just make sure to thaw them first!
Rice: Long grain white rice is ideal for jambalaya. If you’d like a healthier option, brown rice can be substituted, though it will need a longer cooking time.
Spices: Cajun seasoning is key for flavor. If you have it on hand, you can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme as alternatives.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Flavor Depth?
A big part of jambalaya’s charm is layering flavors. Start with cooking the sausage; let it brown and render some fat, which adds richness. Don’t skip the sautéing step for the veggies—this builds a solid base. Cook onion, bell peppers, and celery until soft, then add garlic and spices; this brings out their flavors!
- Always toast the rice with veggies for a minute. This gives it a nice nutty flavor and helps it absorb the broth better.
- Let it simmer covered and avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped for cooking the rice evenly.
- After cooking, letting it sit for a few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld.
With these tips, your jambalaya will be bursting with flavor! Enjoy cooking!
Cajun Jambalaya With Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
For The Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend time browning the sausage and chicken, sautéing the vegetables, and letting everything cook together for rich flavors. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, around 3-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In the same pan, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the sausage.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Now add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Flavorings:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for about a minute until everything is fragrant.
5. Toast the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes. This helps toast the rice lightly, adding depth to its flavor.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer the Jambalaya:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
8. Add the Shrimp:
After 15 minutes, add the cooked sausages and chicken back to the pan, along with the uncooked shrimp. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the rice is tender.
9. Finish and Rest:
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful, hearty Cajun jambalaya!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware it will require a longer cooking time. Instead of 15 minutes, simmer for about 40-45 minutes, adding extra liquid if needed since brown rice absorbs more moisture.
Can I Make This Jambalaya Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken and sausage with plant-based proteins like chopped mushrooms, chickpeas, or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian jambalaya!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a complete dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the flavors of Louisiana cuisine!
