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If you love bold flavor, hearty comfort food, and easy one-pot meals, this Cajun Jambalaya Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by traditional cooking from southern Louisiana, this dish combines smoky sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice—all cooked together so every bite is rich and satisfying.
Authentic Cajun jambalaya, unlike Creole versions, does not include tomatoes and instead relies on browned meat, spices, and aromatics to achieve its deep color and flavor. The end result is a comforting, slightly spicy meal that tastes like something you’d find on a popular recipe website—simple, straightforward, and family-friendly. Unlike Creole versions, authentic Cajun jambalaya skips tomatoes and relies on browned meat, spices, and aromatics to create its deep color and flavor. The result is a comforting, slightly spicy meal that tastes like something you’d find on a big recipe site—simple, clear, and family-friendly.
This recipe is simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for parties. What is the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, resulting in minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Cajun Jambalaya
This recipe (1X) yields 6 servings
- For the jambalaya
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille-style if possible), sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- To finish
- chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step) for Cajun Jambalaya Recipe
Step 1 — Brown the chicken and sausage
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sliced sausage. Cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. This step builds the deep smoky flavor that makes Cajun jambalaya special. Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook the vegetables (Holy Trinity)
In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These vegetables create the classic Cajun flavor base.
Step 3 — Add rice, spices, and broth
Return the browned chicken and sausage to the pot. Add the rice, paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Step 4 — Simmer until rice is tender
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for about 20–25 minutes. Avoid stirring too much — the rice needs time to absorb the flavorful broth and cook evenly.
Step 5 — Add shrimp and finish
Stir in the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover again and cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove bay leaves, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Jambalaya
- Brown the meat well — this adds depth of flavor.
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Don’t over-stir while simmering.
- Adjust spice level by changing the cayenne amount.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cajun Jambalaya Recipe balances smoky sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp with perfectly seasoned rice. It’s bold without being overwhelming — exactly the kind of recipe you see on large food websites because it’s dependable, easy, and packed with flavor.
Nutrition Details
One-Pot Dinner • Cajun • Jambalaya
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Based on 1 serving (about 1/6 of the recipe)
520
Calories
18g
Fat
54g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Cajun Jambalaya Recipe FAQ
FAQ
Cajun Jambalaya: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for perfectly cooked rice, bold Cajun flavor, and the best chicken + sausage + shrimp combo.
What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole jambalaya? +
Cajun jambalaya is usually made without tomatoes and gets its deep color from browning the meat and spices.
Creole versions often include tomatoes and can taste a bit brighter.
Why is my rice mushy or too wet? +
Most often it’s from too much liquid or stirring a lot while it simmers. Keep it at a gentle simmer, stir once,
then cover and let the rice absorb the broth. If it’s still wet at the end, uncover and simmer 2–3 minutes to dry it out.
What rice works best for Cajun jambalaya? +
Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Avoid short-grain rice (it turns sticky). If using brown rice,
add extra broth and expect a longer cook time.
When should I add shrimp so it doesn’t overcook? +
Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep the pot covered and cook just until the shrimp turn pink and
opaque. Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery fast.
How can I make it less spicy (or more spicy)? +
For mild jambalaya, reduce or skip cayenne and use a mild smoked sausage. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a
pinch of red pepper flakes, and finish with hot sauce at the table.
Can I make jambalaya ahead, and how do I store leftovers? +
Yes—jambalaya tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or
water to loosen the rice. Freeze up to 2 months in airtight containers.
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