Jambalaya is Louisiana comfort food at it’s absolute best! Made with a rich tomato sauce, spiced to creole perfection, with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, as well as vegetables and rice. It’s so hearty, full of soul, and perfect as a quick & easy weeknight dinner to feed your hungry family!
Table of Contents
- One Pot Jambalaya
- Why you’ll love this recipe for Jambalaya
- One Pot Jambalaya Ingredients
- Jambalaya Recipe substitutions and variations
- How to make the Best Jambalaya Recipe
- What to serve with Jambalaya
- Storing and Freezing this Homemade Jambalaya Recipe
- Easy Jambalaya Recipe FAQs
- More Louisiana Inspired Recipes
- Best Jambalaya Recipe Recipe
- More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series
One Pot Jambalaya
It's Louisiana Week on House of Nash Eats and we are making some of the best foods and flavors that the Pelican State is known for. This easy jambalaya recipe was an absolute favorite for my family when I was recipe testing and one they have been asking me to make again!
If you are new here, I have an ongoing series that I like to call "American Eats" where I'm exploring the best known foods of each state, one state at a time. Be sure to follow along and check out the recipes I have made from YOUR state! Or leave me a comment and let me know what I should cover when I get there.
Louisiana has a rich food tradition that was influenced by its history as a melting pot of French, African, American and French-Canadian cultures that are reflected in its Creole and Cajun cuisine. The capitol city of Louisiana is Baton Rouge, although the largest city in the state is New Orleans, which is known for its colonial-era French Quarter, raucous Mardi Gras festival, and jazz.
Food from Louisiana is rich and diverse thanks to its incredible culture. They make everything! Sweet beignets, po’ boy sandwiches, gumbo, and étouffée. The list goes on and on! It was brutal to narrow down what I wanted to make and share for the blog this week.
Making one-pot recipes is a time-saving hack every kitchen needs! Explore more one-pot meals like my creamy One Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, or my hearty One Pot Lasagna Soup!
What is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a Louisiana favorite dish of spiced rice, veggies, and protein which can be anything from chicken to sausage to shrimp and more. It's all cooked in one large pot and can be as spicy as you like it, depending on whether you like spicy food or not. And you can always add hot sauce for even more heat!
What does jambalaya taste like?
Jambalaya has a wonderful warmth from the creole or cajun seasoning as well as the comforting familiarity of rice and chicken or sausage. My favorite version isn't too spicy - maybe a medium heat at most - but there is a lot of depth of flavor thanks to the holy trinity of green bell pepper, onion, and celery.
How is creole jambalaya different from cajun jambalaya?
When it comes to jambalaya, there are also two kinds: Creole and cajun, of course! The Creole version like this recipe is a red, tomato-based jambalaya with shrimp along with chicken and sausage. Chicken and sausage are added to the pot and cooked along with the "holy trinity” of cajun cooking. The Holy Trinity is onion, bell pepper, and celery.
The cajun version is a brown jambalaya with no tomatoes. The meat is browned first in the bottom of the pot, before adding in the “holy trinity” vegetables and stock. The bits of meat that stick to the bottom is what gives Cajun Jambalaya it’s brown color.
Why you’ll love this recipe for Jambalaya
Jambalaya has to be one of my favorite weeknight meals! It is loaded with plenty of protein from chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, fiber and nutrition from veggies, AND rice, as well as absolutely bursting with amazing creole flavor!
This Jambalaya recipe is really easy! It’s all made in one pot in under an hour. Perfect for busy families during the week. There’s less to clean in the end, and this jambalaya recipe doesn’t skimp on flavor. It is a little spicy, but the cayenne and red pepper flakes are optional, especially if you have little ones! My heat-sensitive kids (9 and 6) handled it just fine.
One Pot Jambalaya Ingredients
- Chicken: I used chicken thighs, and cut them into 1-inch pieces, removing the bones. Thighs add a lot more flavor and are more tender than chicken breasts. But you can use chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand to use up.
- Spicy andouille sausage: Andouille is a strong-flavored sausage that is essential for jambalaya. Chorizo, kielbasa, or spicy Italian sausage will work too, in a pinch, although they will each impart a slightly different flavor and aren't as authentic to real Louisiana-style cajun or creole Jambalaya.
- Shrimp: Adds even MORE protein! These are mixed in right at the end so they’re not over-cooked.
- The Holy Trinity: Onion (I used a yellow onion), peppers (both green and red in this case), and celery, of course. I also added chopped green onions for some extra flavor and freshness and because I just love them!
- Garlic: Again, adding an extra boost of flavor. You can definitely tell if the garlic is missing from this dish!
- Tomatoes: Both crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. I wanted the tomato flavor to taste really rich!
- Cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes: These are optional but the kick of heat is so delicious! I definitely recommend adding both.
- Herbs: Thyme and oregano gives a nod to creole foods Italian influences.
- Creole seasoning: A blend of (usually) onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. You can buy store-bought, or try making your own!
- Chicken stock: Stock adds flavor and helps the rice to cook properly so that it becomes nice and soft, and the jambalaya isn’t too dry.
- Rice: White rice is what you’ll need here. Any long grain white rice will work, but basmati or jasmine are both great as well. Just make sure you rinse it well as you can’t rinse the rice after it’s added to the jambalaya.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The traditional jambalaya sausage is the andouille sausage. It’s a spicy red sausage, loaded with flavor and seasoning. However, it can sometimes be tricky to track down andouille sausage at the local grocery stores, although it's becoming more and more readily available and I found it at every supermarket I went to.
If you run into trouble locating some though, I’d suggest substituting a strong flavored sausage like Mexican or Spanish chorizo, a German or Polish sausage like kielbasa, and in a pinch, even a spicy Italian sausage will do! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to make your own andouille sausage. If you don’t want to mess with the casings, just make them into small meatballs before browning them in the pan.
Jambalaya Recipe substitutions and variations
You can use brown rice if you prefer for a more nutritious version, although white long grain rice is traditional. The cook time will just be a little longer to cook the brown rice all the way through.
How to make the Best Jambalaya Recipe
- Brown the meat. Brown the chicken meat and andouille sausage with 1 tablespoon of creole seasoning, salt, and pepper in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large dutch oven or other heavy duty pot over medium-high heat until cooked. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté the holy trinity and season. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and saute the onion, green pepper, and celery for about 8-10 minutes, along with white parts of green onions, and garlic until the vegetables have softened and the onion is turning translucent.
- Mix in the tomatoes and seasoning. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, remaining creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes.
- Add the broth, and simmer. Add the chicken broth and rice. Bring to a simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is almost, but not quite done.
- Shrimp time! Add shrimp to the jambalaya in the last 5 minutes, along with the chicken and sausage. The shrimp don't take long to cook and the chicken and sausage will reheat in the same amount of time while the rice finishes.
- Stir and serve. Lastly, sprinkle with the chopped parsley and remaining green onions. You're ready to serve!
What to serve with Jambalaya
- French bread
- Olive Garden salad
- Roasted green beans
- Fried okra
- Southern collard greens
- Cornbread
- Hush puppies
- Garlic bread
- Cucumber salad
- Corn on the cob
Storing and Freezing this Homemade Jambalaya Recipe
Jambalaya keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it thoroughly before consuming the leftovers. This easy jambalaya recipe can also be frozen in an airtight container like a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Easy Jambalaya Recipe FAQs
There are two main kinds of food found in Louisiana: Creole and cajun. They both originate in Louisiana. Cajun food was brought over by the French and is more like meaty country-style cooking found along the bayous in places like Lafayette. You could say that it’s French-Southern fusion! Jambalaya’s origins are cajun, but it can have a creole twist too!
Creole food was created in the city of New Orleans, and is known for it’s rich, tomato sauces as well as the addition of seafood like shrimp. It is French as well, but also has African, and Native American roots, along with other European influences like Italian, German, Spanish, and also Caribbean. It truly represents the melting pot of New Orleans!
The main difference between jambalaya and gumbo is that jambalaya is a rice dish, similar to paella, while gumbo is more like a soup or stew, served separately over rice. Gumbo also uses other unique ingredients like okra, which is not typically found in Jambalaya.
Jambalaya is a dish primarily made of rice, veggies, protein, and spices. It's like a casserole made in a pot on the stovetop instead of baked in the oven!
Jambalaya isn't soupy at all. A lot of people confuse it with its soupier cousin gumbo which is frequently served over rice.
It depends on what kind of jambalaya you are making (and possibly your own family recipe). But generally, yes there are tomatoes if you are making this creole-style jambalaya. Cajun jambalaya does not use tomatoes.
No. While you will frequently see shrimp, crawfish, or other seafood in jambalaya, it's not a necessary ingredient by any means, especially if you aren't a fan. We love chicken and pork sausage jambalaya without shrimp too.
The Holy Trinity of jambalaya is a key ingredient in much cajun and creole cooking made of chopped onions, celery, and green bell peppers.
More Louisiana Inspired Recipes
- Grilled Cajun Chicken Dry Rub Seasoning
- Shrimp Étouffée
- Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
- Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Creamy Cajun Dressing
- New Orleans Beignets
Best Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb. chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb. Andouille sausage, sliced into ¼-inch discs
- 2 Tablespoons creole seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well (basmati or jasmine will work)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
- chopped parsley for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thigh chunks and andouille sausage. Season with 1 tablespoon of the creole or cajun seasoning, and a little salt, and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until browned. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
- Add remaining tablespoon of oil and saute the onion, green pepper, red pepper, celery, and white parts of the green onion. Saute for about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (all the flavor!), until softened.
- Add the garlic, remaining creole or cajun seasoning, remaining salt and pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Saute for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, rice, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring every five minutes until nearly done.
- Add the shrimp, cooked chicken, and sausage, back into the pot during the last 5 minutes when the rice is close to being done. The shrimp should finish cooking while the rice finishes off so it's all done at the same time.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and the green parts of the chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- If you can't find Andouille sausage, sometimes called cajun sausage, kielbasa or Mexican chorizo are decent alternatives that are widely available.
- Will keep in fridge for 4 days.
Nutrition
Adapted from Swanky Recipes and The Forked Spoon.
More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • Oregon • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Utah • Wisconsin
Can you tell me how I might substitute noodles for rice? My husband won't eat rice 🙂
Thank you
That is a bit tricky since the rice absorbs so much of the liquid, but you might try cutting back on the liquid by 25% and using a small pasta as a starting point. Something like Orzo might work, although it would be a very untraditional Jambalaya without rice!
In step 3 you said add shrimp. Then in step 10 you said add shrimp for the last 5 minutes. I think the shrimp should not be added until the very end?
Thank you for pointing that out! It was a typo but it's fixed! Yes, the shrimp is added in step 10 during the last 5 minutes, not in step 3.
This was really hard to follow. Hope it turns out well! Steps 3 and 6 are the same. And In steps 5 and 10 you add the chicken and sausage, but since I was just browned when does it finish cooking? And the Cook times are different for the first time you boil the broth vs the second time you have it in there. I’m so confused!
Husband LOVED this!!!! I added a can of tomatoes and some creole seasoning. Yummy!
Please fix the directions:). I’m assuming it might be 1,2,5-8, 4, 9-11? Very hard to follow. I saw someone posted in May to fix it? I’d love to work from home if there is a job editing webpages let me know:)
I'm so sorry, Jenna! Thank you for bringing this to my attention! It's fixed!
The rice (long grain white) wouldn’t cook properly. Had to keep adding liquid and even after 55 minutes the rice was still underdone. Kept the lid on the entire time except for when it was stirred. That being said, the flavor was amazing . We used Conecuh sausage since we’re from Alabama and it’s a big thing here. Hoping after a night in the fridge it’s going to soak up more moisture and fix it because we have ton of it left and we really did enjoy the flavor (only feeding 2 ppl). Might try putting it in the oven @350 degrees next time and not removing the lid till the entire cook time is finished.
I had the same issue. My rice wouldn’t cook. I added a lot of extra water and letting it sit. Super disappointed because the wanted dinner done by a certain time for the family.
It is really easy. My sister is making it for her daughter.
So easy to make and absolutely delicious! I didn’t have andouille sausage so I subbed turkey kielbasa but my husband loved it! Followed the recipe for creole seasoning as well… now I have plenty on hand for further dishes