Jambalaya is a common Southern meal with wonderful flavors that blend so well and melt in your mouth. You can enjoy it on busy nights and is even better the next day.
This authentic jambalaya recipe is a filling meal of chicken, shrimp, sausage, and white rice all mixed in bright spices. The best part of this dish is our sauce mixture that bursts with mouthwatering savory and spicy flavors. Taste the flavors of this dish in a tomato cajun soup with this jambalaya soup recipe.
What is Jambalaya?
If you’re looking for a protein-filled casserole, then look no further than this savory Louisiana-style one-pot dish. A traditional jambalaya is made with chicken, sausage, and shrimp along with the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking (onion, bell peppers, and celery), which we also used in this recipe. Though smoked meat, other seafood, and even game meat like duck and venison can also be added to this dish.
It has two types: creole and cajun. In this recipe, we’re making a creole jambalaya, also known as “red jambalaya” due to its mixture of tomatoes. Cajun jambalaya, on the other hand, is browner in color due to the meats being browned and caramelized. Another defining feature of creole food is the layering of ingredients as they’re cooked, just like what we did in this recipe.
Taste the difference between these two types by making cajun jambalaya pasta after trying this hearty dish.
What to Serve with Jambalaya
This jambalaya rice is best paired with a bunch of other sides with simple flavors that would not overpower the strong and savory taste of this dish, but rather complement it.
If you’re seeking a Southern-style dinner, look no further than our recipes. Try this dish with this collard greens recipe or corn on the cob recipe for a char flavored side dish. And for a traditional pairing, try serving it with dairy-free vegan cornbread.
How To Make Juicy Jambalaya
This creole jambalaya has the best mix of meat and spices which makes this famous Southern comfort food. Make this one-pot dish with mouthwatering savory and spicy flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
- ½ lb Chaurice sausage
- 1 lb Andouille sausage
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 2 cups onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 28 oz tomatoes , diced , in juice
- 2 cups raw rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- ¾ lb smoked ham, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ lb shrimp, raw (tails removed)
- ½ tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Sauté chaurice (or another spicy sausage), Andouille, and chicken, adding oil if necessary, for several minutes, until cooked. Add the onions to the same oil, cook them thoroughly, then add the bell pepper and celery.
- Cook until tender.
- Add bay leaf and thyme.
- Add the rice and stir until coated in the oil.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, garlic, and ham.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and let simmer about 30 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Before serving, add the green onions, shrimp, and parsley.
Nutrition
- Sugar: 9g
- :
- Calcium: 116mg
- Calories: 628kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Iron: 4mg
- Potassium: 1014mg
- Protein: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 1528mg
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Vitamin A: 2025IU
- Vitamin C: 35mg
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Commonly Asked Questions
What is the difference between gumbo and jambalaya?
You may mistake these two dishes as identical because they usually have the same ingredients and spices, but they’re actually different! Gumbo is a kind of soup or stew, while jambalaya is a rice or casserole dish. In making gumbo, we serve rice separately while in jambalaya we cook the rice with the stew. Know the difference by trying this creole gumbo recipe.
What can I use in place of the Andouille sausages?
Andouille sausages are typically added in a traditional jambalaya for their smokey flavor. But if you don’t have these on hand, similar alternatives would be Mexican chorizo sausage, Kielbasa, or any smoked Polish or Italian sausage. They will taste just as meaty and will pair well with this creole rice dish.
What kind of rice can I use for this recipe?
This recipe works perfectly with white rice. But other kinds of rice like Jasmine, brown rice, or Arborio rice works just as well. Just make sure to keep an eye out on what you’re cooking, as rice tends to differ in texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This creole jambalaya has the best savory flavors that you’ll find in a comfort food. Enjoy this spice-filled Southern staple layered and deliciously cooked in one pot for a hearty and tasty meal at home.Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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