Jambalaya (No Mushy Rice!)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
cut into bite-sized pieces
- 11 ounces fully-cooked andouille sausage
sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 yellow onion
diced
- 2 green bell pepper
deseeded and diced
- 2 ribs of celery
diced
- 4 garlic cloves
minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 crushed tomatoes
15-ounce can
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound large shrimp
in the 16-20 count range
- sliced green onions and chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- 1
Season the chicken. In a medium mixing bowl toss together the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, until evenly coated.
- 2
Cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven or wide-bottomed (and preferably deep) pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and saute until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- 3
Cook the sausage. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil along with the sausage to the same pan and saute for a couple of minutes, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove the sausage to the plate with the chicken.
- 4
Saute the veggies. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, until the veggies have softened. If you need to add a splash more oil feel free to do so.
- 5
Add the garlic and spices. Add the minced garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and the red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir together for 30 seconds.
- 6
Add the rice and liquid. Add the rice and toast with the veggies and spices by stirring for a minute. Then add the bay leaf, tomatoes, and broth. Give it a stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally just to make sure the rice isn't sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the rice is al dente. *see notes on rice below
- 7
Add the shrimp. Remove the bay leaf, add the shrimp to the pan along with the sausage and chicken, gently stir, cover, and turn off the heat. The shrimp will cook through in about 4 to 5 minutes, and all of the liquid should be absorbed by the rice. Taste the jambalaya and season with extra salt and pepper if you'd like.
- 8
Garnish. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
Jambalaya (No Mushy Rice!)
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About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, soulful flavors of New Orleans jambalaya but worried about ending up with mushy rice? This recipe promises a classic taste experience with perfectly cooked rice every time, bringing that beloved comfort food straight to your kitchen.
The key to exceptional jambalaya lies in a harmonious blend of its core components, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor without compromising texture. By carefully layering chicken, savory andouille sausage, and juicy shrimp with a trio of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, this recipe builds a depth of Cajun and Creole flavors that truly sings. It's designed to deliver the rich, robust character of traditional jambalaya, focusing on a balanced profile where every ingredient shines.
Prepare your senses for a journey to the heart of Louisiana. You'll enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish brimming with succulent pieces of chicken and tender shrimp, perfectly complemented by the smoky, spicy notes of andouille sausage. The diced yellow onion, green bell peppers, and celery, known as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking, provide a fresh backbone, while minced garlic and red pepper flakes add a warming kick. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of textures against a backdrop of crushed tomatoes and long grain white rice, all infused with the distinctive warmth of Cajun seasoning. This jambalaya is a rich, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug.
Customization & Variations
You can easily adapt this jambalaya to your pantry and preferences. For a different protein combination, consider swapping out some of the chicken or sausage for extra shrimp, or adding diced pork. If you like more heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes, or incorporate a dash of hot sauce when serving. To vary the vegetables, you could add corn or okra during the cooking process for extra color and nutrition.
This hearty jambalaya is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you're in the mood for a substantial, flavorful meal. Serve it garnished with fresh sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a bright finish, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.