Save to Pinterest A vibrant and hearty one-bowl dish featuring bold Cajun spices, succulent chicken, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp, all simmered with vegetables and rice for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
I first tried this Cajun jambalaya rice bowl during a trip to New Orleans, and it quickly became a favorite comfort food in my kitchen for its soul-warming combination of spice and heartiness.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 200 g (7 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Andouille sausage or smoked sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 150 g (5 oz), peeled and deveined
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sliced green onions: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Chicken:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned but not cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage:
- Add sausage to the pot, cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the pot. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Toast Rice and Spices:
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Mix well to coat the rice and vegetables with spices.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer:
- Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Add Shrimp:
- Nestle shrimp on top of the rice. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with parsley and green onions.
Save to Pinterest This dish is always a big hit at family gatherings, especially served family-style at the center of the table where everyone can help themselves to a big, flavorful scoop.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the jambalaya with cornbread or serve alongside a simple green salad for a complete Southern-style meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out shrimp for more chicken or sausage, or use tofu for a pescatarian-friendly twist. Brown rice can be used, but increase liquid and cooking time.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Save to Pinterest This Cajun jambalaya rice bowl is sure to bring big flavor and plenty of Southern charm to your table. Enjoy each comforting, spicy bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What proteins are used in this dish?
The dish includes boneless chicken thighs, Andouille or smoked sausage, and large peeled shrimp for a rich blend of flavors and textures.
- → How is the spice level controlled?
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to taste, and for extra heat, you can add more or serve with hot sauce.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free sausage and verify all seasonings to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- → What cooking vessel is recommended?
A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works best to develop flavor and cook the ingredients evenly.
- → How can the dish be adapted for whole grains?
Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, increasing liquid amounts and cooking time accordingly.
- → What herbs enhance the dish's flavor?
Dried thyme in the cooking process and fresh parsley garnish add aromatic layers and freshness.