Cajun Jambalaya Recipe

Whipping up this Cajun jambalaya is like taking a quick trip to flavor town without even leaving my kitchen! The mix of chicken, shrimp, sausage, and those spices creates a seriously epic dish that’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

As a passionate cook, I love crafting dishes that burst with flavor and bring people together. My Cajun Jambalaya is a colorful medley of tender chicken thighs, savory smoked sausage, fresh bell peppers, and aromatic garlic.

With the perfect blend of spices, this dish offers a hearty, satisfying dinner option.

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe Ingredients

– Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat providing essential monounsaturated fatty acids.

– Chicken Thighs: A good source of lean protein and minerals like zinc and iron.

– Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory flavor; a source of protein and fat.

– Onion: Rich in antioxidants, adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness.

– Green Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin C and adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

– Celery: Offers fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a subtle aromatic base.

– Garlic: Known for its health benefits, enhances flavor with pungent zest.

– Long-Grain White Rice: A staple carbohydrate that absorbs flavors well.

– Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, with vitamin C and lycopene.

– Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices adding heat, depth, and characteristic Cajun flavor.

– Black Pepper: Provides heat and enhances the overall taste with its pungency.

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make this Cajun Jambalaya Recipe

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, cooking them until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. In the same pan, add the smoked sausage slices and cook until brown. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

3. Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables turn tender, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine the rice with the vegetable mixture. Toss it until it is evenly distributed and let it cook for 2 minutes. It may brown slightly as it toasts, but make sure it doesn’t burn.

5. Combine well the following ingredients: chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

6. Put the chicken and sausage back in the pot. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for around 20 minutes.

7. Following a 20-minute interval, gently incorporate the shrimp into the mixture, ensuring they are fully immersed in the liquid.

8. Put a lid on the pot and let it simmer for 5 to 7 more minutes. The shrimp should now be tender, perfectly pink, and cooked to lushness.

9. Take the jambalaya off the heat and allow it to sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

10. Just before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot and
enjoy your Cajun Jambalaya!

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?You can use brown rice instead, but you must tweak the recipe since brown rice requires more time and liquid to reach doneness. You must use 2 cups or so of water for every cup of brown rice.
• Is it necessary to use chicken thighs, or can I use chicken breast?Instead of chicken thighs, use chicken breast. Yet, chicken thighs are usually more juicy and have more flavor than breasts.
• Can I make this jambalaya in advance?Certainly! Jambalaya can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. If you want to enjoy some, you can reheat it on the stove, using low heat, or in the microwave. If it’s looking a little dried out, just add a splash of water. Satisfaction guaranteed!
• What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?Should Cajun seasoning not be on hand, whip up your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
• Can I omit the shrimp for a non-seafood version?Certainly, it’s feasible to leave out the shrimp or substitute it with another protein, such as additional chicken or smoked sausage.
• Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?For a vegetarian version, do not use chicken, sausage, or shrimp. Instead, feel free to add more vegetables or tofu (for protein) in their place.
• How spicy is this dish?Spicing is at the medium heat level, but feel free to up the cayenne and Cajun seasoning to make it more to your taste.

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.
• Replace smoked sausage with andouille sausage or kielbasa.
• Swap green bell pepper with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.
• Substitute fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients Ahead Chop all vegetables and proteins before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This helps maintain the ideal cooking times and prevents any ingredients from overcooking or getting cold.

2. Toast the Rice When combining the rice with the vegetables, take an extra minute to toast it lightly. This enhances the nutty flavor in the final dish, adding depth to your jambalaya.

3. Balanced Seasoning Taste the broth mixture before adding it to the pot. Adjust the seasoning if needed; you can always add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne for extra heat or flavor.

4. Shrimp Timing Add the shrimp towards the very end of cooking time, as indicated. Shrimp cooks quickly, and this timing ensures they remain tender and don’t become rubbery.

5. Resting Time After removing the pot from heat, let the jambalaya sit covered for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid, making the dish rich and flavorful.