Homemade Jambalaya Recipe Bursting with Zesty Flavor

Spicy southern jambalaya recipe bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your taste buds like a lively New Orleans street parade.

Layers of savory ingredients create a hearty one-pot wonder that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and plump shrimp mingle with robust rice and aromatic spices.

Generations of louisiana cooks have perfected this soul-satisfying dish that whispers stories of rich cultural heritage.

Each bite promises a journey through complex, tantalizing textures and bold seasonings.

Regional traditions shine through in every carefully crafted spoonful of this legendary comfort meal.

You’ll want to gather your skillet and embrace the magic waiting to unfold in your kitchen.

Why Jambalaya Brings Big Flavor in One Pot

• Tackle this jambalaya in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious southern comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimize cleanup with a single pan that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Easily swap proteins like shrimp or swap sausage types to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• Loaded with chicken and sausage, this jambalaya delivers a nutritious meal that provides substantial energy and keeps hunger at bay for hours.

Ingredients for Building a Classic Jambalaya

• Andouille Sausage: Spicy smoked sausage that adds robust flavor and authentic Cajun character.
• Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs the dish's rich spices and provides substantial texture.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall taste and complexity of the jambalaya.

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid that helps cook rice and infuse additional savory notes.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that delivers authentic Louisiana-style heat and depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Traditional jambalaya grain that absorbs flavors and provides hearty base.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.

How to Prepare Jambalaya

Sizzle The Sausage And Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, releasing its smoky aroma. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a separate plate. In the same pan, introduce chicken pieces and cook them thoroughly, turning to ensure each side becomes nicely browned. This process will take approximately 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the sausage.

Chop The Holy Trinity

• Onions
• Green bell peppers
• Celery

Dice these vegetables into uniform small pieces. The goal is to create a consistent texture that will meld perfectly in the jambalaya.

Build The Flavor Foundation

Return the pan to the heat and add more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped vegetables and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors. The vegetables should start to release their aromatic oils and create a fragrant base for the dish.

Introduce Aromatic Spices

Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning. Incorporate Cajun seasoning, paprika, and thyme. These spices will create a deep, rich flavor profile characteristic of authentic Louisiana cooking. Stir continuously to prevent any spices from scorching.

Combine Proteins And Rice

Return the sausage and chicken to the pan. Pour in long-grain white rice and stir to coat with the spices and vegetable mixture. This step ensures each rice grain absorbs the complex flavors developing in the pan.

Liquid And Simmer Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pan, covering the rice and meat. Add diced tomatoes for extra moisture and tang. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld together.

Final Touch And Serve

Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, spicy flavors of this classic Cajun dish.

Cooking Tips for a Bold, Spiced Jambalaya

• Sear Meats Separately: Brown sausage and chicken in batches to develop rich, deep flavor and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
• Choose Authentic Sausage: Use andouille sausage for traditional Cajun taste or substitute with smoked kielbasa for a similar smoky profile.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match your heat tolerance, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure spices before cooking to ensure smooth, stress-free preparation of this complex dish.
• One-Pot Wonder: Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet to maintain even heat distribution and maximize flavor development.

How to Keep Jambalaya Delicious for Later

• Transfer jambalaya to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled jambalaya into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm jambalaya in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Southern Pairings for Your Next Jambalaya Dish

• Seafood and Citrus Pairing
• Complement the rich, spicy jambalaya with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the dish's intense flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Match Hearty Protein with Bold Red
• Pour a medium-bodied Zinfandel that stands up to the robust sausage and chicken, offering dark fruit notes that enhance the jambalaya's complex spice profile.
• Brighten the Plate with Zesty Side
• Serve a bright, tangy coleslaw with lime vinaigrette to add a cool, crunchy element that balances the warm, intense jambalaya and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cool Down with Southern-Style Beverage
• Offer an ice-cold sweet tea or a craft beer like a hoppy amber ale to soothe the palate and complement the dish's bold Cajun seasonings.

Jambalaya Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Replace sausage and chicken with plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Add extra bell peppers and mushrooms for robust flavor and meaty texture.
• Seafood Jambalaya: Swap chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, or crawfish. Use a lighter seafood stock and adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate seafood.
• Low-Carb Jambalaya: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini. Keep the original spices and proteins for an authentic taste while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Jambalaya: Use gluten-free andouille sausage and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Choose rice that is specifically labeled gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.

Questions About Jambalaya? Check These Out

• What ingredients make jambalaya unique?

Jambalaya combines sausage, chicken, rice, and Cajun spices, creating a hearty one-pot meal with deep roots in Louisiana’s culinary tradition.

• Is jambalaya spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Cajun spice blends according to your preference.

• What type of sausage works best for jambalaya?

Andouille sausage is traditional and recommended, providing a smoky, spicy flavor that complements the dish perfectly. However, you can also use smoked sausage or kielbasa as alternatives.

• Can I make jambalaya without meat?

While authentic jambalaya includes meat, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting proteins with beans, tofu, or additional vegetables like bell peppers and okra.

Jambalaya Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Creole magic awaits with this classic Jambalaya recipe, blending spicy sausage, tender chicken, and plump shrimp in a single skillet. Rich Louisiana flavors dance through each bite, promising a culinary journey that satisfies and delights.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 200 g (7 oz) smoked andouille sausage (or chorizo, sliced)
• 200 g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Seasoning and Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (400 g / 14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth for extra flavor)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet or Dutch oven with olive oil over robust medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for proteins.
2. Introduce sliced sausage into the heated surface, allowing edges to caramelize and develop rich golden-brown tones, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a separate holding plate.
3. Utilize the same pan with residual flavorful oils to sear chicken pieces, rotating methodically to ensure comprehensive browning and developing a crisp exterior across all surfaces, roughly 5 minutes total cooking time.
4. Carefully extract chicken and reserve alongside the previously seared sausage, maintaining the concentrated flavor foundation within the cooking vessel.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild hot sauce for sensitive palates.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Select andouille sausage for authentic Cajun taste, or substitute with smoked sausage for milder profile.
• Opt for long-grain white rice to achieve traditional jambalaya texture with separate, fluffy grains.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg