02/11/2026
LOUISIANA CAJUN JAMBALAYA 🍤🔥
Authentic Southern-Style One-Pot Recipe
PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes
COOKING TIME: 35–45 minutes
TOTAL TIME: Approximately 60 minutes
SERVINGS: 4–6 people
INGREDIENTS
A. PROTEIN & MAIN INGREDIENTS
1. 300 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. 250 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3. 200 g smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
4. 300 g long-grain white rice, uncooked
5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
B. VEGETABLES & AROMATICS
6. 1 medium onion, finely diced
7. 1 green bell pepper, diced
8. 2 celery stalks, diced
9. 3 garlic cloves, minced
10. 400 g canned diced tomatoes, with their juices
C. CAJUN SEASONING & LIQUID
11. 750 ml chicken broth
12. 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
13. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15. 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
16. 1 bay leaf
17. Salt to taste
D. GARNISH & SERVING
18. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
19. 2 green onions, thinly sliced
20. 1 lemon, cut into wedges
21. Extra Cajun seasoning, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1 — PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked sausage, peel and devein the shrimp, and prepare all the vegetables. Rinse the rice briefly if desired, then drain well.
STEP 2 — BROWN THE CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.
Add the smoked sausage and cook for another 2–3 minutes until lightly caramelized. Transfer the chicken and sausage to a plate.
STEP 3 — SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES
In the same pot, add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
STEP 4 — ADD THE CAJUN FLAVORS
Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt.
Stir well, scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the chicken and sausage to the pot.
STEP 5 — COOK THE RICE
Add the uncooked long-grain rice and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Avoid stirring frequently while the rice cooks.
STEP 6 — ADD THE SHRIMP
Remove the lid and gently arrange the shrimp over the rice.
Cover again and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are fully cooked.
Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
STEP 7 — REST AND GARNISH
Remove the pot from the heat. Let the jambalaya rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf. Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Sprinkle fresh parsley and sliced green onions over the top.
STEP 8 — SERVE AND ENJOY
Serve hot directly from the cast-iron pot or transfer to individual bowls.
Add fresh lemon wedges and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Louisiana Cajun Jambalaya!
COOKING TIPS
- Use long-grain rice to help keep the grains fluffy and separate.
- Andouille sausage is an excellent traditional Louisiana-style choice if available; smoked sausage also works beautifully.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Use low heat when simmering to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
- Keep the lid closed while the rice cooks to retain steam.
- Add shrimp near the end to prevent overcooking.
- If the rice is still firm but the liquid has disappeared, add a small splash of warm chicken broth and continue cooking until tender.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving for better texture and flavor.
PREPARATION SUMMARY
1. Brown the chicken and smoked sausage.
2. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
3. Add tomatoes and Cajun spices.
4. Stir in rice and chicken broth.
5. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender.
6. Add shrimp and cook until fully done.
7. Rest, fluff, and garnish with parsley and green onions.
8. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges.
FINAL RESULT:
A rich, smoky, slightly spicy Louisiana classic with fluffy seasoned rice, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and flavorful smoked sausage. One pot, bold Southern flavor! 🍤🔥
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