Description
Spicy Cajun jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary magic to your kitchen, blending hearty rice, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp in one spectacular pot. Generations of New Orleans flavor await you in this irresistible, zesty one-pan wonder that promises pure comfort and excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 pound (1 lb) andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound (1 lb) raw shrimp
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup okra
Liquids, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 34 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 cups long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: parsley
- Optional: spring onions
- Optional: hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet and sear chicken and sausage over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and chicken stock; stir to combine thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes, gently stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent rice from sticking.
- Uncover skillet and introduce fresh shrimp and sliced okra; continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Reintegrate previously cooked chicken and sausage into the jambalaya, mixing gently to distribute evenly and reheat proteins.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spices as desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap proteins effortlessly by using tofu, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using milder hot sauce for sensitive palates.
- Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for a fluffier texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure everything cooks evenly without stress.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg