Jambalaya Recipe
Jambalaya recipe is a delightful dance of flavors that brings the heart of Louisiana right to your kitchen! This easy one-pot wonder combines succulent chicken, plump shrimp, and vibrant bell peppers, all simmered in a savory broth infused with aromatic spices. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the warmth of paprika and the zing of cayenne, while the rice soaks up all that delicious goodness. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and joy that will leave you craving more!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Jambalaya Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For sautéing and cooking the jambalaya.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
Grains
- 2 cups long-grain rice
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Spices
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Garnish
- to taste salt and pepper
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect the following: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups long-grain rice; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; fresh parsley for garnish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Liquids
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
- After 20 minutes, add the shrimp to the pot. Stir gently and cover again. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
- Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya Recipe
• Enjoy a hearty meal packed with bold flavors and spices.
• Perfect for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.
• Quick and easy to make, even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile ingredients allow for personal twists and substitutions.
• A comforting dish that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Cajun/Creole |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free |
| Serves: | 4-6 people |
| Best Served: | Hot, with fresh parsley |
Ingredients for Jambalaya Recipe
- Long-grain rice – a staple that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Chicken breast – lean protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
- Shrimp – provides a delightful seafood twist.
- Bell peppers – adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Onion – enhances the overall flavor base.
- Garlic – infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
- Celery – contributes crunch and depth of flavor.
- Tomatoes – brings acidity and moisture to the mix.
- Chicken broth – a flavorful liquid for cooking the rice.
- Olive oil – for sautéing and adding richness.
- Spices (like paprika, cayenne, and thyme) – essential for that signature jambalaya kick.
- Green onions – for a fresh garnish and added flavor.
How to Make the Jambalaya Recipe
Get ready to create a delicious jambalaya that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect the following: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups long-grain rice; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; fresh parsley for garnish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Liquids
Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
After 20 minutes, add the shrimp to the pot. Stir gently and cover again. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Jambalaya Recipe
•Use smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor without the pork.
•Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter base.
•Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a fresh, zesty kick.
•Don’t rush the cooking; let the rice absorb all the flavors slowly.
•Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or chicken for variety.
How to Serve Jambalaya Recipe
Enjoy your jambalaya with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.
- Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a zesty green salad to balance the flavors.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Accompany with sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Serve in bowls with lime wedges for a citrusy kick.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for added crunch.
- Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the jambalaya to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date.
Freezing
- Cool the jambalaya to room temperature.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space for expansion.
- Seal tightly and label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
For More Recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of sausage in my jambalaya?
Absolutely! Chicken is a fantastic substitute for sausage in jambalaya. It adds a lovely flavor and pairs well with the spices. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, you can use diced bell peppers or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Both will absorb the flavors beautifully!
How can I make my jambalaya spicier?
To kick up the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy!
Can I make jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, jambalaya is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when reheated.