This Cajun jambalaya is a tasty mix of chicken, shrimp, and sausage, all cooked together with colorful veggies and spices. It’s like a party in a pot!
Trust me, the flavors all come together so well that you’ll want to make it again and again. I love serving it with some warm bread for a cozy dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, and they’re convenient. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer darker meat, which adds a richer flavor.
Sausage: Andouille sausage brings a nice smoky flavor, but you can use any smoked sausage or even kielbasa if Andouille isn’t available. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds sweetness, but frozen shrimp works just as well! Just thaw them before cooking. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using extra veggies or plant-based sausage.
Rice: Long grain white rice is the traditional choice here. If you need a substitute, jasmine rice or brown rice could work, but cooking times may vary.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder can do the trick!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Rice in Jambalaya?
Cooking rice in jambalaya is an important step. Here’s how to get it right:
- Always rinse your rice beforehand to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Once you add the rice to the pot, stir well to ensure it’s coated with all the spices and liquid.
- Simmer on low heat with the lid on, which helps trap steam and cook the rice evenly. Don’t lift the lid too often!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. If using brown rice, adjust the liquid and increase the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked rice every time in your jambalaya!
Cajun Jambalaya With Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Flavor:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty jambalaya should take about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have it ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until they’re lightly browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In the same pan, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it until browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside with the previously cooked chicken.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, which will take about 4-5 minutes. You’ll love the aroma!
4. Add Seasoning and Rice:
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for another 2 minutes to combine all the lovely flavors. Then, add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables.
5. Combine with Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Don’t lift the lid too often to ensure proper steaming!
6. Add the Proteins:
Now, it’s time to add back the cooked chicken and sausage. Stir in the shrimp as well. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once everything is heated and delicious, garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your Cajun jambalaya!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Cajun Jambalaya!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth to about 4 cups and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes instead of 15 minutes.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can customize the vegetables to your taste! Feel free to add corn, peas, or even zucchini. If you need a substitute, any color bell pepper or different types of beans will also work well.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken, sausage, and shrimp, and use vegetable broth. You can amp up the flavor by adding more veggies and perhaps some kidney beans or chickpeas for protein.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.