Description
This classic Cajun Jambalaya recipe features a hearty mix of chicken, beef sausage, and shrimp simmered with rice and a flavorful blend of Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal, it combines tender meats, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, spicy broth in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and Seafood
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sliced beef sausage, cooking until both are browned and flavorful on the outside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Coat the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pot and stir thoroughly, ensuring each grain is coated with oil and mixed well with the vegetables and meats.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Jambalaya: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Shrimp: Fold in the peeled and deveined shrimp, cover the pot again, and let it sit off the heat for about 5 minutes to allow the shrimp to cook fully through the residual heat before serving.
Notes
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the rice while simmering.
- If you prefer spicy jambalaya, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Shrimp should be added at the end to prevent overcooking.
- This dish can be made ahead; flavors deepen when reheated.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
