Jambalaya with Cajun Flavors (Printer-Friendly)
A comforting Louisiana dish packed with shrimp, chicken, sausage, rice, and vibrant Cajun spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 -
Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
04 -
Celery, diced
05 -
Medium yellow onion, diced
06 -
Red bell pepper, diced
07 -
Garlic cloves, minced
→ Staples & Seasonings
08 -
Long grain white rice, rinsed
09 -
Tomato paste
10 -
Unsalted butter
11 -
Vegetable or canola oil
12 -
Old Bay Seasoning
13 -
Dried thyme
14 -
Cayenne pepper
15 -
Bay leaves
16 -
Chicken broth, low sodium
17 -
Salt, to taste
18 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In separate bowls, season chicken pieces and shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning; set aside to infuse flavor.
02 -
Rinse rice under cold water until clear, then cook according to package directions; set aside.
03 -
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown andouille sausage slices until caramelized; transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, brown chicken pieces until cooked through; remove and set aside. Repeat with shrimp, then set aside.
05 -
Add butter to skillet, then cook diced onion, bell pepper, and celery over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and translucent.
06 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes to release aroma, then blend in tomato paste until evenly combined with vegetables.
07 -
Add remaining Old Bay Seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper; whisk in chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
08 -
Cover skillet and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
09 -
Remove bay leaves, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
10 -
Off heat, fold in cooked rice, browned chicken, shrimp, and sausage until evenly coated. Serve warm.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Rinsing rice prevents clumping and maintains fluffy texture.
02 -
Browning meats deeply enhances the overall flavor profile.
03 -
Simmering gently melds flavors without overcooking proteins.