Description
Bring bold Southern flavor to your table with this Classic Jambalaya—a hearty, one-pot meal packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice. This easy dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, delivering a satisfying balance of spice and comfort. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, flavorful food ideas, or a crowd-pleasing easy recipe, this jambalaya is a must-try dish that never disappoints.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
12 oz smoked sausage sliced
1 lb chicken thighs or breast cut into pieces
1 large onion chopped
1 green bell pepper diced
2 celery stalks diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup peas
2 green onions sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1. Season shrimp and chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat oil in a large pan and brown the sausage, then set aside.
3. Cook chicken in the same pan until golden, then remove.
4. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
5. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then stir in tomatoes.
6. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
7. Pour in broth and mix in all seasonings.
8. Return chicken and sausage to the pan and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
10. Add shrimp and peas, cover, and cook 5–7 minutes more.
11. Let rest, fluff rice, stir in butter, and garnish before serving.
Notes
Use long-grain rice for the best texture and avoid stickiness.
Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to settle perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 170mg