Zesty Cajun Jambalaya

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Zesty Cajun Jambalaya. Packed with bold flavors and a touch of heat, this one-pot wonder brings the vibrant taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients for Zesty Cajun Jambalaya

Chicken breast adds lean protein and soaks up the Cajun spices beautifully. Shrimp provides a sweet, tender bite that contrasts nicely with the other meats. Andouille sausage is the smoky, spicy backbone of this dish, bringing a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness, helping to balance the spice. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful, while long-grain white rice absorbs all the delicious juices. Green bell pepper and onion offer a fresh crunch and sweetness, while garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic richness. Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper bring the heat and smokiness that define this jambalaya. Olive oil helps everything cook up nicely, and salt and pepper are for balancing flavors to your liking. Finally, green onions provide a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
  • If the jambalaya feels too dry, add a splash more chicken broth.
  • Make sure to use a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.

Serving Suggestions

This jambalaya pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a true Southern experience, consider serving it with a side of cornbread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! If you can't find Andouille sausage, try using chorizo or any smoked sausage you like.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap out the meats for a variety of beans and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, jambalaya freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Zesty Cajun Jambalaya Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your cubed chicken breast and cook until it's browned on all sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced Andouille sausage. Let them cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavors.

Add the browned chicken back to the pot along with the can of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give it all a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, pour in the long-grain white rice and stir everything together. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful broth.

After 15 minutes, add the shrimp, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir gently, then cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the rice is tender. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with bold, Cajun spices for a flavor explosion.
  • One-pot meal means easy cleanup.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
  • Combines proteins and veggies for a balanced dish.
  • A hearty and satisfying comfort food classic with a kick.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and sausage, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Pour in the rice and stir. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink and rice is tender.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions before serving.

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