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JAMBALAYA With Sausage, Shrimp And Chicken greets your senses with a symphony of smoky andouille, tender chicken, and plump shrimp nestled in fragrant, spice-kissed rice. Each mouthful delivers a vibrant meditation on Louisiana’s Cajun heritage, as the holy trinity of bell pepper, onion, and celery harmonizes with garlic, tomatoes, and Creole seasonings to create an Authentic Jambalaya Recipe Louisiana masterpiece. Cozy enough for weeknight dinners yet showstopping for weekend gatherings, this favorite invites you to savor the soul of New Orleans at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The blend of sausage, shrimp and chicken elevates every bite with contrasting textures and layers of savory depth.
- Hands-on one-pot approach means minimal cleanup without sacrificing big, bold flavors.
- Customizable spice levels—from mild Creole warmth to fiery Cajun kick—tailored to your palate.
- Rice absorbs all the aromatic broth, delivering a comforting, cohesive dish that fuels and satisfies.
- Meal-prep friendly: leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal batch-cook for busy weeks.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Main Dish |
Cuisine: | Healthy Cajun |
Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
Cook Time: | 35 minutes |
Total Time: | 55 minutes |
Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
Serves: | 4 |
Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- Andouille Sausage (8 oz) – lends smoky, peppery intensity to this Cajun Jambalaya Recipe.
- Chicken Thighs (1 lb) – diced, for tender juiciness and richer mouthfeel.
- Large Shrimp (½ lb) – peeled and deveined, for sweet briny contrast. (Shrimp nutritional benefits)
- Long-Grain Rice (1½ cups) – soaks up the rich broth and spices beautifully.
- Onion, Bell Pepper & Celery (“Holy Trinity” 1¼ cups) – foundational aromatics for authentic flair.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – minced, to build savory complexity.
- Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can) – adds bright acidity and Creole depth.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups) – infuses rice with savory body.
- Creole Seasoning (2 tsp) – classic Tony Chachere’s blend anchors the flavor. (Creole seasoning origins)
- Cayenne Pepper (½ tsp) – optional, for New Orleans heat.
- Bay Leaves (2) – gentle herbal undertone.
- Green Onions & Parsley – for garnish and fresh vibrancy.

JAMBALAYA With Sausage, Shrimp And Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown sausage slices, then remove. Brown chicken pieces and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add rice and stir for 2–3 minutes to coat in oil and aromatics.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, Creole seasoning, cayenne, and bay leaves. Scrape bottom to deglaze.
- Return sausage and chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
- Uncover, stir in shrimp, cover again and cook 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and rice tender.
- Let rest 5 minutes off heat. Discard bay leaves, fluff with fork, garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Embark on a flavorful journey as you build layers of smoky, spicy, and savory notes in one pot.
Step 1: Brown the Proteins
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate, then brown chicken pieces until golden, 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Holy Trinity
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir in rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes to coat grains in aromatic oils.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Add diced tomatoes, broth, Creole seasoning, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine, scraping any browned bits.
Step 5: Simmer Covered
Return sausage and chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is nearly tender.
Step 6: Finish with Shrimp
Uncover, stir in shrimp, cover again, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and rice is fully cooked.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, fluff with a fork, then garnish with green onions and parsley.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use smoked andouille for authentic Cajun depth and minimal liquid fat release.
- To prevent mushy rice, measure liquid precisely and resist uncovering during simmer.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after toasting the rice.
- Customize spice by swapping cayenne for smoked paprika or increasing Creole seasoning.
- Leftover jambalaya firms as it chills—reheat with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.
How to Serve JAMBALAYA With Sausage, Shrimp And Chicken
A vibrant dish like this shines alongside complementary sides:
- Crusty French bread smeared with garlic butter
- Steamed collard greens drizzled with apple cider vinegar
- Crisp iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
- Sweet corn maque choux brimming with bell peppers
- Pickled okra and vegetables for zesty crunch
- Light cucumber-mint salad to refresh the palate
- Black-eyed pea salad with cherry tomatoes
- Charred corn ribs dusted with chili-lime seasoning
- Buttery grits to echo Southern tradition
- Mini muffuletta sliders with olive tapenade

Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool to room temperature before sealing in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Portion into single-serve containers for easy lunches.
• Keep garnishes separate to preserve texture.
• Label with date for freshness tracking.
Freezing
• Freeze cooled jambalaya in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Flatten bags to save space and speed thawing.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat gently.
• Add fresh herbs after reheating for brightness.
Reheating
• Reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of chicken broth.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Avoid overheating to keep shrimp tender and rice intact.
• Garnish just before serving to revive color and freshness.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of sausage, chicken, and shrimp?
This trio delivers high-quality protein, lean muscle support from chicken, and omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp. (Seafood omega-3 advantages) Andouille adds iron and B-vitamins, rounding out a balanced main dish for healthy eating.
Can I substitute a major ingredient?
Absolutely—swap andouille for chorizo or kielbasa, use turkey or pork instead of chicken, and substitute crawfish tails or scallops for shrimp. Maintain spice levels for flavor balance.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Boost aroma with fresh herbs (thyme, oregano), citrus zest, smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Roasted garlic purée also adds depth without fat.
Can I meal prep JAMBALAYA With Sausage, Shrimp And Chicken?
Certainly! Cook and cool completely, then portion into containers for up to 3 days refrigerated. Freeze extra batches for effortless weeknight meals that reheat in minutes.
Final Thoughts
Savoring JAMBALAYA With Sausage, Shrimp And Chicken is a delicious way to bring Authentic Jambalaya Recipe Louisiana flair to your kitchen. Its vibrant combination of ingredients and bold spices transforms humble rice into a celebration of New Orleans soul. Whether you crave simple weeknight comfort or plan to entertain, this Cajun Jambalaya Recipe delivers both heartiness and heritage in every spoonful. Dive in, enjoy the layers of flavor, and let this classic New Orleans dish become a weekly favorite.