Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
Easy Cajun Jambalaya is a bold, spicy, and satisfying meal. It solves the problem of cooking a hearty dinner fast. After making this many times, I know the best way to get that authentic flavor. The golden rice and rich sauce make every bite irresistible. Try my Crispy Smashed Carrots with Garlic and Parmesan for a side. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Smashed Carrots with Garlic and Parmesan and Moist Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Why This Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp Is Pure Comfort
- Spicy and savory flavors
- One-pot cooking
- Perfect for weeknights
- Loaded with protein
What You'll Need for Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Lemon wedges
- Optional: Hot sauce
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Rice: Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Sausage: Andouille sausage adds smoky flavor. Substitute with spicy Italian sausage if needed.
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp for even cooking.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and depth.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-Stick Dutch Oven — Ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking → See on Amazon
- Wire Whisk — Helps mix ingredients smoothly and prevents lumps → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
- Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
- Step 3: Add chicken and cook until nearly done. Stir in spices and tomatoes.
- Step 4: Return sausage to the pot. Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
- Cooking Technique: Use a heavy pot to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Common mistake and fix: If the rice is too wet, cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Flavor Tip: Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a heavy pot to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with extra chicken if preferred.
- Make-ahead: Jambalaya can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too wet, cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
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Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
- Step 3: Add chicken and cook until nearly done. Stir in spices and tomatoes.
- Step 4: Return sausage to the pot. Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a heavy pot to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with extra chicken if preferred.
- Make-ahead: Jambalaya can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too wet, cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
If the rice is too wet, cook it uncovered for a few more minutes. Add more broth if needed.
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Spicy Italian sausage or chorizo can be used as a substitute.
Use fresh herbs and add a splash of lemon for a light spring version. For winter, keep it hearty and spicy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cajun Jambalaya with Sausage Chicken and Shrimp and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
