Main Courses > Rice-Based Dishes > Global Rice Entrees > Cajun Jambalaya

Authentic Cajun Jambalaya

A flavorful and hearty Cajun Jambalaya recipe, packed with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables. This dish is perfect for a crowd and is sure to impress!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs
  • 1 lb Andouille Sausage
  • 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 cups Long Grain Rice
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper
  • 2 Celery Stalks
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • to taste Hot Sauce (optional)
  • Green Onions (for garnish)

Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity'). Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Slice the andouille sausage.

Sauté the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and sausage from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

Add the rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through.

Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking

Stir in the cooked chicken, sausage, and shrimp. Cover and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve

Garnish with green onions and serve hot. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 180kcal, Protein: 12g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 15g. Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe can be modified to be lower in sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning. For a healthier version, consider using brown rice and lean chicken breast instead of thighs.

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FAQ

  • Can I use different types of meat?

    Yes, you can substitute other types of sausage, such as kielbasa or Italian sausage. You can also use different cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it.
  • Can I make this vegetarian?

    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.