This Cajun jambalaya is a one-pot wonder filled with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and savory sausage. It’s a colorful dish that brings a spicy kick to your meal!
You can’t help but love how all the flavors mix together. Plus, it’s so satisfying to serve up a big bowl of this hearty goodness. Who doesn’t like an easy cleanup after dinner? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well, but you can swap it for thighs for extra juiciness. If you want to go meat-free, try using a plant-based chicken substitute.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille adds that classic smoky flavor. If it’s not available, turkey sausage or any other smoked sausage can also do the trick. For a vegetarian option, consider using seitan or tempeh.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes this dish special, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Make sure to thaw it first! If you’re avoiding seafood, leave it out or use extra chicken.
Rice: Long-grain rice is best for texture. You could use brown rice, but it requires more broth and cooking time. Quinoa can be a gluten-free substitute for a different flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne will give you a similar spice. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference!
How Do You Get the Flavors Just Right in Jambalaya?
Getting the right balance of flavors is key in jambalaya. Start by cooking your meats first to build the base. Remove them to avoid overcooking. Then, sauté the vegetables in the same pot to absorb all those delicious juices.
- When you add the rice, stir it well so it mixes with the spices and vegetables—this is where the flavor really develops.
- Let the broth come to a boil first, then reduce the heat. Covering it helps steam the rice, making it fluffy.
- Don’t forget to taste before serving! You can always adjust with more seasoning or add jalapeños for a kick.
Cajun Jambalaya With Chicken, Shrimp And Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun jambalaya takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 35 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in approximately 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper, and cook until they’re nicely browned and almost cooked through, about 5 minutes. When done, take them out and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In the same pan, toss in the sliced sausage. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 4 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside with the chicken.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Then, sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. You want these to soften up, which should take around 5 minutes.
4. Add the Spices and Tomatoes:
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and oregano—this is where the magic happens! Mix in the diced tomatoes and let everything cook together for about 2 minutes to let those flavors meld.
5. Mix in the Rice:
Now, pour the rinsed rice into the pan and stir it well to coat the grains with the spices and veggie goodness. This helps imbue the rice with flavor as it cooks.
6. Add the Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover your pan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is just tender.
7. Add Chicken, Sausage, and Shrimp:
Carefully stir in the cooked chicken, sausage, and shrimp. Cover it again and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.
8. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste the jambalaya and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or jalapeño slices if you prefer some extra heat!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, serve your jambalaya hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this hearty, delicious Cajun dish!
Dig in and savor the hearty spices and flavors that make this jambalaya such a favorite! You’re in for a real treat! 🍽️
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires more cooking time and additional liquid. You’ll need to increase the chicken broth by about 1/2 cup and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, there are several ways to amp it up! You can add more Cajun seasoning, use spicy smoked sausage, or incorporate diced jalapeños into the mix. A few dashes of hot sauce just before serving can also add a nice kick!
Can I Make Jambalaya Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Jambalaya can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if necessary. The flavors will deepen overnight!
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can simply omit it or replace it with additional chicken or sausage. For a vegetarian option, try adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for texture and flavor.
