This Jambalaya comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the main ingredients or toss in whatever you have on hand to make this a “clean out the fridge” meal. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s a comforting, hearty dish that packs in tons of flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make this mouthwatering Jambalaya, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs add a great depth of flavor. You could use chicken breasts instead, but thighs are just better for this.
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced: A classic in Jambalaya, this sausage gives it a spicy kick. If you prefer something milder or if andouille isn’t available, feel free to use smoked sausage or kielbasa.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adding shrimp at the end gives it that nice shrimp flavor without overcooking it. If you’re not a shrimp lover, consider adding more chicken or some other seafood instead, like scallops!
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Choose your favorite color! Red, green, or yellow work beautifully here and add a lovely sweetness.
- 1 onion, chopped: A must-have in so many recipes for that base flavor.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Don’t skip the celery, it adds crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 4 cups chicken broth: Homemade is great, store-bought works just fine to keep things simple.
- 2 cups long-grain rice: White rice gets fluffy and soaks up all the flavors beautifully! You could use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking times.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: A little acidity to balance the flavors and add moisture. Fire-roasted tomatoes add even more depth.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Store-bought is quick, but if you’re feeling it, mix your own for a twist!
- 2 bay leaves: Just trust me on this one. They add an aromatic layer that’s worth it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: A couple pinches of salt and pepper to elevate all those flavors.
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish: Because presentation matters, and they add that finishing touch!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Start by heating some oil (about a tablespoon) in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chicken and sausage, cooking until they’re beautifully browned, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this stage? Just wait!
Next, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté these beauties for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft and the onions are translucent. This is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing!
Then, stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Mix it all up, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot as you go, that’s where the flavor lives!
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. This should take just a couple of minutes.
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth. It’s always a good idea to check it once or twice on the timer, just to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom, stirring occasionally.
In the last five minutes of cooking, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, stirring them through the rice. They’ll cook quickly, and you’ll be amazed at how vibrant they turn from gray to pink! It’s magic, honestly.
Remove the bay leaves, they’ve done their job and season it with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the chopped green onions and parsley for that fresh finish.
Serve it hot, and wow your family or friends! I bet you’ll have some asking for seconds.
Why I Adore This Recipe
You guys, this is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and satisfying, but I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Jambalaya is just the ultimate comfort food overflowing with flavor. I love how you can make it your own, sometimes I toss in leftover veggies or other proteins I have on hand, and it always ends up amazing! I’m a real sucker for one-pot meals, and this one checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and your family will love it!
If you loved this Jambalaya, be sure to check out my Flavorful Ground Turkey Rice Bowls, my Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls, or my Crispy Baked Parmesan Pork Chops!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy nights when you still want to enjoy home-cooked food.
One Pot Magic
The best part? It comes all in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup. A quick wipe and you’re done!
Customizable
One of the key benefits of this recipe is its incredible versatility. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer. Not into shrimp? Swap it out for more chicken. Got veggies wilting in your fridge? Toss them in!
Comfort Food at Its Best
This is loaded with tons of flavor that truly makes it a satisfying dish to enjoy with your loved ones! The combination of spices, protein, and carbs harmonizes deliciously.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
This Jambalaya is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a side of crusty bread to soak up those flavors, especially some homemade garlic bread! You could also serve a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
Storage
If you end up with leftovers (which I somehow never do!), they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to dive back into your leftovers, just heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up as it reheats.
Freezer-Friendly
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! Just let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions.
Cooking is truly about gathering people around the table, sharing meals, and creating memories. Enjoy this Jambalaya, and let it bring you and your loved ones even closer!
So there you have it! A quick, easy, and utterly delightful Jambalaya recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Now, get into the kitchen and get cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Jambalaya
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chicken and sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Mix well.
- Pour chicken broth and bring to a boil, about 2 minutes.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
- In the last 5 minutes, add the shrimp and stir until cooked.
- Remove bay leaves, season to taste, and garnish with green onions and parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to swap proteins or add leftover vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
