Description
This Best Jambalaya is a rich and satisfying one pot meal made with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, savory beef sausage, vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. It delivers bold Southern inspired flavor with a balanced, comforting texture that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
One yellow onion chopped
Two bell peppers chopped with seeds and ribs removed
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
One pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into one inch pieces
One teaspoon dried oregano
Six ounces beef andouille style smoked sausage by Aidells or beef smoked sausage by Applegate sliced
Two tablespoons tomato paste
Two garlic cloves finely chopped
Two cups low sodium chicken stock
One fifteen ounce can crushed tomatoes
One cup long grain rice rinsed and drained
Two teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
One pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
Two scallions thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and add onion and bell peppers with a light seasoning of salt and pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant
2. Add chicken and oregano, season lightly again, and cook while stirring until the chicken is lightly golden
3. Stir in the sliced beef sausage, tomato paste, and garlic, cooking briefly until aromatic and well combined
4. Pour in chicken stock and crushed tomatoes, then stir in rice and Old Bay seasoning until evenly distributed
5. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed
6. Fold in the shrimp gently and cook until pink and just cooked through
7. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then garnish with sliced scallions before serving
Notes
Seasoning in layers is key to achieving the best flavor in jambalaya, so add salt gradually throughout cooking
Rinsing the rice before cooking helps prevent excess starch and keeps the final texture fluffy rather than sticky
Use a heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven to avoid scorching and ensure even heat distribution
Shrimp should only be added at the end to avoid overcooking and a rubbery texture
Letting the jambalaya rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to settle and improves texture
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American