Cajun Jambalaya is a tasty one-pot dish packed with chicken, shrimp, and sausage. It’s bursting with flavor from spices and fresh veggies, making it a hearty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. You could swap them for chicken breasts or even turkey. Just remember to adjust cooking time for leaner cuts, as they may dry out faster.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage brings great flavor, but feel free to use any smoked sausage you have on hand. Turkey sausage is a lighter option if you want to cut down on fat. Vegetarian sausage can be a replacement too!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, just ensure they’re fully defrosted before cooking. You can substitute shrimp with scallops or omit seafood altogether for a meat-only dish.
Rice: Long grain rice is traditional, but you could try brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
How Can I Get Even More Flavor in My Jambalaya?
Bringing out the best flavors in your jambalaya is key! Here are some tips:
- Start by browning the sausage and chicken well; those crispy bits add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Don’t rush the sautéing of the vegetables. Perfectly softened onion, bell pepper, and celery create a flavor base.
- Toasting the rice for a couple of minutes with the spices is a game changer! It adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt levels while still giving great flavor.
These tips will ensure your jambalaya is rich and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Cajun Jambalaya With Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds (andouille sausage preferred)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to create a delicious and hearty Cajun jambalaya!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Proteins:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of your chicken as it cooks. Set the seasoned chicken aside for later.
2. Cook the Sausage and Chicken:
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 3-4 minutes or until it’s nicely browned. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they’re browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Now, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for around 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
4. Add Spices and Rice:
Next, stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix. Now, add the uncooked rice and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and gather the spices’ flavors.
5. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and add the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir well and make sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
6. Simmer the Jambalaya:
Return the browned chicken and sausage back to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
7. Cook the Shrimp:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently nestle the shrimp into the rice mixture and cover again. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque—an indication that they are perfectly cooked!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once done, remove the jambalaya from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will help enhance the flavors. After waiting, use a fork to fluff the jambalaya. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delightful Cajun jambalaya!
This dish is sure to impress with its spicy, hearty flavor combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp all in one pot. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but please note that brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to increase the simmering time to about 30-35 minutes and may need to add more liquid, so keep an eye on it as it cooks!
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or need a substitute, you can use diced chicken or even assorted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also opt for a spicier Cajun seasoning blend to amp up the flavor. Just be mindful that you can always add more heat, but it’s tricky to tone it down!
Can I Make Jambalaya in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the jambalaya a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers!
