Name: Classic Jambalaya
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

A true staple of Louisiana cuisine, Classic Jambalaya is a hearty, one-pot meal that brings together bold spices, tender rice, smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and succulent shrimp. With its roots deeply embedded in Creole and Cajun traditions, this dish is a flavor-packed celebration of cultures and comfort.

Each bite is a perfect harmony of spice and savory, making it ideal for gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner with leftovers that taste even better the next day. Whether you’re familiar with southern cooking or just starting to explore, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees mouthwatering results.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Jambalaya

Big Flavor in One Pot: With layers of spice, smoky sausage, and seasoned shrimp, every spoonful delivers.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that reheats beautifully.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite proteins or make it spicier to suit your taste.
Authentic Southern Comfort: It captures the spirit of Louisiana with every forkful.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve the best Classic Jambalaya, you’ll want to be prepared with the right tools:

Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: Essential for even heat distribution and allowing all ingredients to cook uniformly without overcrowding.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps in scraping flavorful bits from the pan’s bottom, which adds depth to the dish.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Precise chopping of onions, celery, peppers, and proteins ensures a balanced bite.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: Necessary for perfect seasoning and rice-to-liquid ratio.
Ladle or Serving Spoon: Makes it easy to serve generously without mess.

Having these tools prepped and ready makes the process smoother and helps build bold, authentic flavors.

Ingredients for the Classic Jambalaya

Each ingredient in Classic Jambalaya has a flavorful role to play:

Andouille Sausage: Smoky and spicy, it infuses the dish with bold flavor.
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, these pieces hold up well during cooking.
Shrimp: Adds a juicy seafood sweetness and classic Creole touch.
Long-Grain Rice: The hearty base that absorbs all the spices and juices.
Onion: Brings a sweet, savory backbone to the base.
Bell Peppers (Green and Red): Add color, crunch, and balance the spice.
Celery: Essential for the “Holy Trinity” base of Cajun cooking.
Garlic: Pungent and fragrant, it deepens the dish’s flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Their acidity balances out the richness.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
Cajun Seasoning: The signature spice mix that defines jambalaya.
Bay Leaves: Provide subtle earthy aroma during the simmer.
Salt & Pepper: To taste and balance the bold flavors.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and layering flavors.

How To Make the Classic Jambalaya

Step 1: Sear the Meats

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. Add chicken pieces, season, and sear until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté the onion, bell peppers, and celery until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the aromatics.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Broth

Add the uncooked long-grain rice, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Cover and let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Add Shrimp Last

In the final 5-7 minutes of cooking, nestle the shrimp on top and cover again. Cook until shrimp turn pink and firm.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the jambalaya rest for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork, remove bay leaves, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Classic Jambalaya

Serve your Classic Jambalaya hot, straight from the pot into generous bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. Pair it with cornbread, a green salad, or even a simple side of steamed okra for a traditional Southern spread.

Storing is simple: let the jambalaya cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When reheating, a splash of broth or water helps bring it back to its saucy, steamy glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Classic Jambalaya?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning and sausage. You can dial up or down the heat by adjusting the spice level or choosing a milder sausage.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, though chicken thighs hold moisture better. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

What kind of shrimp works best?

Medium to large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) work best. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they can become rubbery.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and replace with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What type of rice should I use?

Stick to long-grain white rice. Short grain or quick-cook rice can become mushy in this dish.

Is jambalaya gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Want More One-Pot Meal Ideas?

If Classic Jambalaya got your taste buds dancing, you’ll want to check out these other flavor-packed meals from Kitchen By Kate:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a rich, peppery kick in every creamy bite.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole when you crave comforting, cheesy layers.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to satisfy your sweet and spicy cravings.
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet if you’re in the mood for bold and smoky flavors.
Cheesesteak Tortellini Bliss for when you want steakhouse vibes in one pan.

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And when you do try it, I’d love to hear how you made it yours. Did you go extra spicy? Swap in turkey sausage? Add crab?

Every version of jambalaya tells a story, so don’t be shy—leave a comment and share your twist. Let’s make mealtime something to look forward to together.