Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Cajun cuisine with our Easy Jambalaya recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and savory Andouille sausage with a medley of spices and rice for a satisfying, one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will help you stay organized as you make this flavorful jambalaya.
2. Sauté the Sausage and Chicken:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the sausage and chicken from the pot and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Rice and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and stir to combine.
5. Season and Simmer:
- Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir everything well to combine.
6. Bring to a Boil and Reduce Heat:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking:
- Gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp.
- Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Garnish your Easy Jambalaya with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy the Cajun delight!
With our Easy Jambalaya recipe, you can taste the bold and vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine. With a harmonious blend of spices and rice, this one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and savory Andouille sausage. This jambalaya will transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana with each delicious bite, making it ideal for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner.