Description

Bold, comforting, and bursting with Southern flair, this Classic Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that combines smoked sausage, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp with perfectly seasoned rice and vegetables. It’s an easy recipe packed with flavor and perfect for quick dinner ideas, food ideas for guests, or even healthy-ish meal prep depending on your swaps. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner idea or need a reliable go-to for entertaining, this hearty dish checks every box for easy recipes with big flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced

1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes

1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add chicken to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

3. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Return sausage and chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

6. Add rice, stir once, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.

7. Fold in the shrimp, cover again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

8. Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

9. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce with the seasonings.

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

Letting the dish rest before serving enhances the flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: classic jambalaya, easy dinner, one pot meal, southern food, rice dish, shrimp, sausage