Pin It A vibrant and hearty one-bowl dish featuring bold Cajun spices, succulent chicken, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp, all simmered with vegetables and rice for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
I first fell in love with jambalaya on a trip through Louisiana—every bite reminded me of the warm, soulful kitchens we visited and the stories shared around the table. Now this Cajun jambalaya rice bowl brings a little bit of that magic right into my home kitchen!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 200 g (7 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Andouille sausage or smoked sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 150 g (5 oz), peeled and deveined
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) with juices
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sliced green onions: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the chicken:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the sausage:
- Add sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the remaining oil, then sauté onion, bell peppers, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Toast the rice and spices:
- Add rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Stir to coat the rice and vegetables with spices.
- Add liquids and simmer:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine meats and cook:
- Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Nestle the shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley and sliced green onions before serving.
Pin It Sharing this jambalaya on a Saturday night became a new family tradition for us—everyone loves gathering around the kitchen to fill their bowls and top with extra herbs. It brings a lively, festive energy to our table no matter the season!
Serving Suggestions
This jambalaya is a satisfying main on its own, but a side of cornbread or a crisp green salad makes it an even heartier meal. For a festive touch, add lemon wedges or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Ingredient Swaps
Make it your own by substituting shrimp with extra chicken or sausage. For a whole grain option, use brown rice and adjust the liquid and cooking time. You can also swap the bell peppers or add okra for extra Southern flair.
Leftover Storage
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the rice and keep it moist.
Pin It This Cajun jambalaya rice bowl is a feast of color and flavor in every spoonful. Serve hot and let the flavors transport you straight to New Orleans!
Recipe FAQs
- → What proteins are featured in this Cajun dish?
This dish includes succulent chicken thighs, smoky Andouille or smoked sausage, and tender peeled shrimp, combining for rich flavors.
- → How is the spice level controlled?
Cayenne pepper adds heat, which can be adjusted to taste. Additional hot sauce can be served on the side for extra spice.
- → Can I substitute the rice for a healthier option?
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but cooking time and liquid quantities should be increased accordingly.
- → What vegetables add flavor and texture?
Diced onions, red and green bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic provide a fragrant and flavorful base to the dish.
- → What kitchen tools are needed for preparation?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is essential, along with a chef's knife, cutting board, measuring tools, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if gluten-free sausage is used. Always verify sausage ingredients to ensure allergen safety.