Description
This Authentic Jambalaya Recipe brings together tender chicken, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp cooked with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and flavorful Cajun seasonings. A true taste of Louisiana, this one-pot dish combines rice with a rich blend of spices and savory proteins for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 9-10 Shrimps, peeled and deveined
- 10 ounces Sausage, smoked or regular
- 1 lb Boneless chicken, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 ribs Celery, chopped
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 Green onions, chopped
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice, washed and uncooked
- 3-4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes (14 or 15 oz.)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- Pinch Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (about 8 tablespoons total, divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. This mix will be used to season the chicken, shrimp, and to flavor the rice.
- Season the proteins: Toss the diced chicken with half a tablespoon of the seasoning mix until evenly coated. Similarly, toss the shrimps with 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix. Set aside the remaining seasoning for later use.
- Cook the chicken and shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Add more oil if needed and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Add 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan and sauté the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken and shrimp.
- Sauté vegetables: Add 4 to 5 tablespoons oil to the pan. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato flavors: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Cook and stir occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes until some of the moisture has evaporated. This step helps prevent mushy rice later.
- Add rice and broth: Add the remaining seasoning mix, washed rice, chopped celery, and 3 to 4 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the jambalaya: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Add more broth or water if necessary. Cook until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Combine proteins and garnish: Once the rice is fully cooked, gently stir in the cooked chicken, shrimp, and sausage to combine evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Washing the rice helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the stated time, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until done.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana