The Best Jambalaya

Bold, flavorful, and irresistibly hearty, The Best Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that brings the vibrant spirit of Louisiana cuisine straight to your kitchen. Packed with smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken thighs, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this classic Cajun dish is elevated with aromatic spices like paprika, thyme, and Cajun seasoning for an unforgettable burst of flavor. Simmered to perfection with long-grain rice in a savory blend of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, every spoonful delivers a comforting balance of spice and richness. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and plenty of servings to share, this easy jambalaya recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or celebratory gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley and scallions, it’s a complete meal that will leave everyone craving more. Ideal for anyone searching for "easy jambalaya recipe," "classic Cajun jambalaya," or "homemade Louisiana jambalaya."

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces andouille sausage
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 medium bell peppers (red and green)
• 2 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Slice the andouille sausage into 1/4-inch rounds and add them to the pot. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and add them to the pot. Sear until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4

Finely chop the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Step 5

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After 25-30 minutes, add the shrimp to the pot. Stir gently, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaves and discard.

Step 11

Taste the jambalaya and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if needed.

Step 12

Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped parsley before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot and enjoy The Best Jambalaya with friends and family!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3444.4 grams (3444.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3156

Total Fat 165.40g	212%
Saturated Fat 49.50g	248%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1542mg	514%
Sodium 11938mg	519%
Total Carbohydrate 159.10g	58%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 31.10g
Protein 264.80g	530%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 843mg	65%
Iron 23mg	127%
Potassium 5675mg	121%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.7%

Protein: 33.3%

Carbs: 20.0%