How to Make Authentic Jambalaya at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

One-Pot Jambalaya for Bold Cajun Flavour

 When you’re craving something hearty, spicy, and rich with Southern soul, nothing satisfies like a good homemade jambalaya. Our bold and colourful dish is a fusion of flavours from French, Spanish, and West African cuisines, all simmered together in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, the recipe delivers unbeatable flavour with minimal fuss.

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe with Chicken and Sausage

Our take on this Southern classic features tender chicken, smoked sausage, and a vibrant mix of bell peppers, onions, and celery, all spiced to perfection. It’s a one-pot wonder that builds deep flavour in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb smoked sausage (or Andouille), sliced
• 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, diced
• 12-14 pcs of shrimps
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (I used basmati)
• 3 large fresh tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cup water/chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend the tomatoes and red bell peppers. Set aside
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shrimp, sauté for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside
3. In the same pot, cook the sausages until they begin to brown. Remove and set aside
4. In the same pot, add in the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the chopped onion —Sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
6. Add the spices- Cajun, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and tomato mixture. Stir to combine, cover and cook for 5 minutes or until water absorbs. Add the diced green bell peppers, stir to combine
7. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Add water, the cooked shrimps and top with the butter. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love Jambalaya 

If you’re a fan of bold, comforting dishes that come together in one pan, then our spicy jambalaya is just what you need. The combination of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices creates a deep, rich taste with every spoonful. The rice soaks up all that savory goodness, making it a complete meal in itself.

Our easy jambalaya recipe is perfect for those who want a filling, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one pot and simple pantry ingredients, you can create a satisfying Southern classic that’s great for any night of the week. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this spicy, soul-warming dish again and again.

Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Grab your ingredients and give our Cajun classic a try tonight!

If you are looking for something different to excite your taste buds, try this One-Pot Cajun Rice & Chicken or this Simple one-pot chicken & Rice

Easy One-Pot Jambalaya

This easy one-pot Jambalaya is a bold and flavorful Cajun dish made with tender chicken, smoky sausage, seasoned vegetables, and fluffy rice. It’s the perfect comforting meal that’s packed with Southern soul and spice, ready in under an hour. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 38 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 548 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/2 lb smoked sausage sliced
• 1 lb chicken breast Diced
• 12 shrimp
• 1 cup White rice Long grain Basmati
• 3 large tomatoes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cayenne pepper
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 cup water
• parsley fresh and chopped

Instructions

 

• Blend the tomatoes and red bell peppers. Set aside
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shrimp, sauté for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside
• In the same pot, cook the sausages until they begin to brown. Remove and set aside
• In the same pot, add in the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
• Add the chopped onion —Sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the spices- Cajun, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and tomato mixture. Stir to combine, cover and cook for 5 minutes or until water absorbs. Add the diced green bell peppers, stir to combine
• Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Add water, the cooked shrimps and top with the butter. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Video

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 42gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 664mgPotassium: 1072mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2813IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg

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