🇺🇸 USA · Food
Hearty Louisiana Jambalaya
By eatmundo · July 3, 2026
A cornerstone of Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine, Jambalaya is a vibrant, one-pot rice dish brimming with flavor. It typically combines chicken, sausage (like Andouille), and often shrimp, cooked with the 'holy trinity' of celery, bell peppers, and onions, along with tomatoes and a blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced chicken thigh and 1/2 lb sliced Andouille sausage. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove meat and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- 2
Add 1 large chopped onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 2 chopped celery stalks (the 'holy trinity') to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained), 2.5 cups chicken broth, and the cooked chicken and sausage back to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- 5
Stir in 1.5 cups long-grain white rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is almost tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 6
Stir in 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp. Cover and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes more, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sausage is best for Hearty Louisiana Jambalaya?+
Andouille sausage is traditional and provides the authentic spicy flavor for this dish. If unavailable, a good quality smoked pork sausage or kielbasa can be used, though you might need to adjust the spice level.
What kind of rice should I use for Jambalaya, and how do I prevent it from becoming mushy?+
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it absorbs flavor well and yields a distinct grain. To prevent mushiness, do not stir the rice once the liquid is added and it begins to simmer; let it cook undisturbed.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding it to the jambalaya, and how do I know it's done?+
It's best to brown the chicken pieces in the pot first to build a flavor base, then remove and add them back later. The chicken is done when it's fork-tender and cooked through, typically after simmering with the rice for about 20-25 minutes.
How can I adjust the spice level of this Hearty Louisiana Jambalaya?+
The spice level primarily comes from the Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. To make it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce; for a milder taste, use less Cajun seasoning and a milder smoked sausage.
Mundo Match
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