Jambalaya Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This jambalaya recipe is packed with bold flavors and easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd. You’ll love how it brings the taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen with minimal fuss.

• One-pot wonder – Everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze, and the flavors meld beautifully.
• Customizable heat – Adjust the spice level to your liking, making it mild for kids or fiery for heat lovers.
• Leftovers shine – It tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner again.

Recipe

Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot dish originating from Louisiana, blending Creole and Cajun influences. It features a mix of meats, vegetables, and rice cooked in a rich, spiced broth for a hearty meal.

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 chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven 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 (5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, and paprika. Add tomatoes, broth, rice, and browned meats. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender. If using shrimp, add in the last 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference.
• For a thicker consistency, uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes.

Time:

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 35 minutes
• Serving: 6–8

Nutrition

Jambalaya is a flavorful dish that combines rice, meat, and vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my jambalaya with simple side dishes, like cornbread or a crisp green salad, to balance the rich flavors. A cold beer or sweet iced tea works perfectly as a beverage, cutting through the spice just right. Trust me, these combos make the meal even more satisfying.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing quite like pairing a hearty jambalaya with the perfect side dish to round out the meal. I love keeping things simple—cornbread or buttery biscuits soak up those rich creole cuisine flavors, while collard greens add a touch of southern flair. A crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the spice, balancing each bite. Trust me, these sides elevate your jambalaya from good to unforgettable.

Beverage Pairings

When you’re diving into a bowl of spicy, flavorful jambalaya, the right drink can make all the difference. I love a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the heat, or a bold red, such as Zinfandel, for richer flavors. For cocktail suggestions, a cold beer or a zesty margarita works wonders. Sweet tea’s classic, but don’t skip a tangy lemonade if you want something invigorating. Cheers!