Description
Authentic Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana Creole dish combining flavorful chicken, shrimp, sausage, and rice cooked together with a blend of Cajun spices, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. This hearty one-pot meal offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and smoky flavors ideal for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 9-10 Shrimps (peeled and deveined)
- 10 ounces Sausage (smoked or regular)
- 1 lb Boneless chicken (diced)
Vegetables
- 2 ribs Celery (chopped)
- 1 large Onion (chopped)
- 2 Green onion (chopped)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced)
Grains
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice (washed and uncooked)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes (14 or 15 oz.)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 3-4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
- Pinch Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (approximately 8-10 tbsp total)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: Combine the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl to create a flavorful spice blend for the dish.
- Season Chicken and Shrimp: Toss the diced chicken with ½ tablespoon of the seasoning mix. Separately, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of the seasoning. Reserve the remaining seasoning mix for cooking the rice.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and place on a plate.
- Cook Shrimp: Add more oil if needed and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté the sausage slices until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add 4-5 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some of the liquid evaporates to prevent mushy rice.
- Combine Rice and Broth: Add the remaining seasoning, washed rice, chopped celery, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Jambalaya: Cover the pan or pot and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking. Add additional water or broth if needed to ensure the rice cooks fully and remains fluffy.
- Add Cooked Meats: Once the rice is tender, gently fold in the cooked chicken, shrimp, and sausage to warm through and combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Long-grain rice is preferred as it stays fluffy and separate during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- Stir the rice occasionally while cooking to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If you prefer, smoked sausage can add a deeper smoky flavor to the jambalaya.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole