🍲 Louisiana Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana one-pot dish made with seasoned rice, vegetables, and a flavorful combination of sausage, chicken, and seafood. It’s packed with smoky spices, tender meat, and bold Creole or Cajun flavors.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 45 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

6–8 servings

Ingredients

Meat & Protein

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced (andouille preferred)
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)

Holy Trinity & Seasoning

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for Creole style)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Rice & Liquid

• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Brown sausage slices until lightly caramelized.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Remove meat and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

1. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.

3. Build the Jambalaya

1. Add rice, broth, tomatoes (if using), Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and browned meat.
2. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
3. Cover and reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender.

4. Add Shrimp & Finish

1. Add shrimp during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.
2. Remove bay leaves.
3. Stir in green onions and parsley.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Types of Jambalaya

🥘 Cajun Jambalaya

• Usually darker in color
• Often made without tomatoes
• Uses smoked sausage and chicken

🍅 Creole Jambalaya

• Includes tomatoes
• More red-orange in appearance
• Often includes seafood

Serving Suggestions

• Cornbread
• Green salad
• Pickled vegetables
• Hot sauce on the side

Storage

• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Tips for Perfect Jambalaya

• Brown the sausage well—it creates deep smoky flavor.
• Don’t stir too much while the rice cooks; it can become sticky.
• Use good-quality smoked sausage for authentic taste.
• Let the jambalaya rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking so flavors settle.