Pin A vibrant and hearty one-bowl dish featuring bold Cajun spices, succulent chicken, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp, all simmered with vegetables and rice for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
I still remember the first time I made Cajun Jambalaya Rice Bowl on a rainy Sunday. The kitchen was filled with fragrant spices as every ingredient sizzled in the pot, and my family waited eagerly at the table, drawn in by the irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 200 g (7 oz), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Andouille or smoked sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 150 g (5 oz), peeled and deveined
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz), with juices
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tbsp, store-bought or homemade
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp, adjust to taste
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp, divided
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sliced green onions: for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Sear chicken:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season lightly, and sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Brown sausage:
- Add sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside with chicken.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining oil, then cook onion, red and green bell peppers, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add rice and spices:
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme, coating the rice and vegetables.
- Add liquids:
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer with proteins:
- Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add shrimp:
- Nestle shrimp on top, cover, and cook 5 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley and green onions.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together around the table, with everyone reaching for second servings and sharing stories while savoring each spicy, flavorful bite.
Serving Suggestions
Jambalaya is delicious served with a crisp green salad or a side of cornbread. Pair with a cold lager or Sauvignon Blanc for a truly Southern meal experience.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap shrimp for extra chicken or sausage if you prefer, or try using brown rice for added fiber—just increase the liquid and cooking time as needed.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains shellfish and sometimes gluten depending on sausage. Per serving: ~480 calories, 16 g fat, 51 g carbohydrates, 30 g protein. Double-check all packaged ingredients for allergens.
Pin This one-bowl jambalaya brings bold flavors and Southern warmth to your table. Enjoy every hearty, spicy spoonful!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb spices and broth well. Brown rice can be used but requires more liquid and longer cooking time.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, cayenne pepper amount can be decreased or increased according to taste. Adding hot sauce on the side offers extra heat.
- → How to ensure proteins cook evenly?
Brown chicken and sausage separately before adding to the pot. Simmer shrimp last for just a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- → What is the role of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds subtle aromatic depth during simmering and is removed before serving to avoid bitterness.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free sausage and verify that the Cajun seasoning contains no gluten ingredients for a safe gluten-free option.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold lager complements the bold flavors, while a light green salad adds freshness.