Description
Hearty jambalaya from Louisiana brings together robust Creole flavors with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and tender chicken. Simmered rice and bold seasonings create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each complex, rich bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, boneless, skinless, chopped
- ½ lb (227 g) andouille sausage, chopped
- ½ lb (227 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 to 4 tomatoes, chopped (about 1 lb or 454 g)
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup white rice
- 8 oz (237 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp olive oil (for shrimp)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, blending onions, bell peppers, and celery into a fragrant, softened foundation, creating depth of flavor within 6-7 minutes.
- Layer Proteins: Introduce minced garlic, diced chicken, and sliced sausage, cooking until chicken transitions from raw pink to completely opaque, ensuring thorough protein development.
- Build Liquid Foundation: Crush whole tomatoes directly into skillet, breaking them into smaller fragments, then integrate Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, and chicken stock, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Rice Infusion: Fold uncooked rice into seasoned liquid, bringing mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to gentle simmer, covering skillet and allowing rice to absorb complex flavors and become perfectly tender over 25-30 minutes.
- Seafood Integration: Season raw shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, quickly sautéing in separate skillet until turning pink and opaque, then delicately fold into jambalaya, ensuring even distribution.
- Final Presentation: Transfer jambalaya into warm serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and offer additional hot sauce on side for those craving extra heat and personalization.
Notes
- Ingredient Timing: Chop vegetables and proteins before starting to cook for smooth, efficient preparation.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce gradually to match personal heat preference without overwhelming flavors.
- Rice Absorption Technique: Keep skillet covered and undisturbed during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.
- Seafood Precision: Cook shrimp separately and add last to prevent overcooking, maintaining tender texture and preventing rubbery consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg