Jambalaya Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making jambalaya is like bringing a party to your kitchen—it’s vibrant, flavorful, and so much fun!

Here’s what makes this recipe a winner: it’s quick to put together, making it perfect for busy nights.

It’s packed with bold Cajun flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies.

Recipe

Jambalaya is a flavorful Creole dish that combines rice with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices. This one-pot meal is hearty, aromatic, and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add rice, chicken broth, and the cooked meats. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. If using shrimp, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

• Adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less heat.
• For a smokier flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.

Time:

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Nutrition

Jambalaya is a flavorful dish packed with a variety of ingredients. Below is the nutrition information per serving.

What To Serve With It

Now that we’ve covered the nutrition side of things, let’s talk about what to pair with this hearty dish.

Jambalaya’s bold flavors shine alongside simple sides like crusty French bread for soaking up the sauce, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

I love adding a scoop of creamy coleslaw for crunch, or buttery cornbread if I’m craving something cozy.

For a lighter touch, steamed veggies or garlicky sautéed greens work wonders.

And don’t forget a cold beer or sweet iced tea—they’re the perfect drinks to round out the meal. Trust me, these combos never disappoint!