Jambalaya is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. This one-pot wonder combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp with a medley of vegetables and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and colorful presentation.
When preparing this jambalaya, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few key ingredients. Andouille sausage is a spicy, smoked sausage that adds a distinctive flavor to the dish. If you can't find it, you can substitute with another type of smoked sausage. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that gives the jambalaya its signature kick. Make sure to check the spice aisle for this essential ingredient.

Ingredients For Jambalaya Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the meats and vegetables, adding a rich flavor and helping to cook everything evenly.
Chicken breast: Provides a lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the spices and other ingredients.
Andouille sausage: A spicy, smoked sausage that adds depth and a distinctive taste to the dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, forming the base of the vegetable mix.
Bell pepper: Brings a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, along with a pop of color.
Celery: Adds a subtle bitterness and crunch, balancing the other flavors.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a slight sweetness, helping to create a rich sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, helping to cook the rice and meld the ingredients together.
Long grain rice: Absorbs the flavors of the broth and spices, becoming tender and flavorful.
Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature heat and complexity.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
Bay leaves: Infuses the dish with a mild, herbal flavor during cooking.
Shrimp: Adds a sweet, briny flavor and a tender texture, completing the trio of proteins.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Technique Tip for Jambalaya
When preparing shrimp, make sure to peel and devein them properly. This not only improves the texture but also ensures a cleaner taste. To devein, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. This step is crucial for achieving a refined and professional dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
Chicken breast - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
Andouille sausage - Substitute with chorizo: Chorizo provides a similar spicy and smoky flavor.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
Bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and rich flavor.
Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and similar crunch.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar texture and flavor.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a lighter flavor or vegetarian option.
Long grain rice - Substitute with basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and cooking time.
Cajun seasoning - Substitute with creole seasoning: Creole seasoning provides a similar blend of spices.
Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a different but complementary herb flavor.
Bay leaves - Substitute with thyme sprigs: Thyme sprigs can provide a similar earthy note.
Shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops offer a similar texture and mild seafood flavor.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor.
Pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat with a slightly different flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Jambalaya
How to Store or Freeze Jambalaya
- Allow the jambalaya to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled jambalaya to airtight containers. Divide it into individual portions for easier reheating.
- Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Jambalaya can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, place the jambalaya in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer for efficient storage and quicker thawing. Jambalaya can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the jambalaya in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the dish's texture.
- Reheat the jambalaya on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it appears too dry.
- Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- For best results, avoid reheating shrimp multiple times as it can become rubbery. Consider adding fresh shrimp during the final reheating stage.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover jambalaya in a skillet or saucepan.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Ensure the shrimp and chicken are heated to a safe temperature.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the jambalaya to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the jambalaya in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the jambalaya to a slow cooker.
- Add a small amount of chicken broth or water.
- Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Ensure the shrimp and chicken are thoroughly heated.
Best Tools for Cooking Jambalaya
Large pot: Used to cook the jambalaya, allowing enough space for all ingredients to combine and cook evenly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the chicken, sausage, vegetables, and garlic.
Chef's knife: Essential for dicing the chicken, slicing the sausage, and chopping the vegetables.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth and rice accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil, cajun seasoning, and dried thyme.
Can opener: Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.
Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken and sausage while browning them in the pot.
Ladle: Handy for serving the jambalaya once it's cooked.
Bowl: Can be used to hold the diced chicken and sliced sausage before cooking.
How to Save Time on Making Jambalaya
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked andouille sausage to cut down on cooking time.
Instant rice: Substitute regular long grain rice with instant rice to reduce simmering time.
Pre-minced garlic: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save time on prep.
Frozen shrimp: Buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to skip the tedious cleaning process.

Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 pcs bay leaves
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage, cook until browned.
- 2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
- 4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until rice is cooked.
- 5. Add shrimp, cook until pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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