Spicy Southern Jambalaya Recipe: A Soul-Warming Delight

Whipping up a hearty jambalaya instantly transports you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that sing Louisiana’s culinary story.

Shrimp, sausage, and chicken mingle in a rich, colorful dish that promises comfort and excitement.

Bold ingredients blend seamlessly, telling tales of cultural fusion and family traditions.

Each bite carries the warmth of southern hospitality and generations of passionate cooking.

Adventurous taste buds will find pure magic in this one-pot wonder that connects you directly to the heart of creole cuisine.

Grab your skillet and let the culinary journey begin!

Jambalaya Loaded With Cajun and Creole Flavors

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with a vibrant mix of chicken, sausage, and shrimp, this jambalaya delivers layers of rich, bold tastes that dance on your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, this one-pot wonder satisfies everyone from kids to grandparents with its hearty and filling profile.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from multiple meats and vegetables, this dish provides a balanced meal that keeps you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it an excellent choice for home cooks wanting to explore Louisiana-style cuisine without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Found in Jambalaya

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides a hearty base for the jambalaya.
• Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Shrimp: Brings a delicate seafood element and sweetness to the recipe.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful and aromatic foundation for the jambalaya.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and deep flavor to the dish.
• Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion-like garnish for brightness.

• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and depth to the rice and overall flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Oregano: Introduces an herbal note to the dish.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Brings a classic, complex spice blend to the jambalaya.
• Rice: The main starch that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jambalaya

Step 1: Sizzle Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally (about 7 minutes).

Step 2: Brown Protein Medley

Add chicken pieces and sprinkle oregano over the vegetables. Season with additional salt and pepper.

Cook until chicken turns golden brown (about 5 minutes). Introduce sliced sausage, tomato paste, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until everything becomes wonderfully fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 3: Create Hearty Base

• Chicken stock
• Crushed tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Old Bay seasoning

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer.

Allow rice to absorb liquid and become tender (about 20 minutes).

Step 4: Finish with Seafood

Gently fold shrimp into the jambalaya.

Cook until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Scoop jambalaya into serving bowls.

Sprinkle freshly sliced scallions on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy this Louisiana classic!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Jambalaya Every Time

• Swap proteins with tofu or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that keeps the rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Use long-grain white rice for traditional texture, or try brown rice for added nutrition and a nutty undertone.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning and add cayenne pepper to customize heat levels for mild or fiery preferences.
• Chop vegetables and proteins in advance to reduce cooking time and streamline the jambalaya-making process.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Flavor Variations for Jambalaya You Can Try

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Replace chicken, sausage, and shrimp with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or a mix of hearty mushrooms and beans. Use vegetable stock for added depth of flavor.
• Seafood Jambalaya: Swap chicken and sausage for a medley of fresh seafood like crab, crawfish, and extra shrimp. Add Cajun seasoning for an authentic Louisiana taste.
• Spicy Caribbean Jambalaya: Incorporate scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme to give the dish a bold Caribbean flavor profile. Use coconut milk instead of chicken stock for creaminess.

Foods That Pair Well With Jambalaya Dish

• Pair with Bold Red Zinfandel: A robust, spicy red wine complements the complex flavors of jambalaya, matching its rich, hearty profile with peppery undertones that dance alongside the dish’s Cajun spices.
• Create Louisiana-Style Cornbread Companion: Prepare a crispy, slightly sweet cornbread as a perfect side that soaks up the jambalaya’s delicious sauce while providing a complementary texture and mild contrast.
• Refresh with Crisp Amber Beer: Select a local craft amber ale or traditional lager that cuts through the dish’s richness, offering a clean, refreshing palate cleanser between each spicy, flavor-packed bite.

Best Storage Methods for Jambalaya

• Transfer leftover jambalaya into airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack jambalaya in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with shrimp for best quality.
• Place jambalaya in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• What ingredients make jambalaya a unique dish?

Jambalaya combines three key proteins: chicken, sausage, and shrimp, creating a rich, hearty meal with Creole and Cajun influences from Louisiana.

• Is jambalaya spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of sausage and seasoning used. Old Bay and optional hot sauce can add heat, but you can control the spiciness by adjusting ingredients.

• Can I make jambalaya with different proteins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, use andouille or smoked sausage, and swap shrimp for other seafood like crawfish or crab.

Jambalaya Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy southern Jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary magic straight to dinner tables with bold Creole flavors. Hearty rice, smoky sausage, and tender chicken create a one-pot marvel you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seafood:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 ounces (170 grams) andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound (450 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (seeds and ribs removed)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, introducing diced onions and vibrant bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 7 minutes.
2. Introduce chicken seasoned with oregano, searing until golden and developing rich caramelized edges. Incorporate sliced sausage, minced garlic, and tomato paste, stirring until fragrant and creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Stream chicken stock into the pot, followed by crushed tomatoes and rice. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning for depth, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Delicately fold in raw shrimp, nestling them into the jambalaya’s warm layers. Cook until shrimp transform to a delicate pink hue and reach precise doneness, roughly 3-5 minutes.
5. Transfer the steaming jambalaya into serving bowls, creating inviting individual portions. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions, adding a fresh, crisp finish to this vibrant Louisiana-inspired dish.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to personal spice tolerance.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and absorption of rich flavors.
• swap chicken for tofu, use turkey sausage, or make vegetarian with extra vegetables.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure even cooking of proteins and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg