How to Make the Best Authentic Jambalaya
Looking for a classic recipe for authentic Jambalaya? Get ready for this delicious Cajun favorite, made simple and soulful.
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb boneless & skinless chicken thighs chopped
- 1 lb Cajun andouille sausage chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
- 1 1/2 lb shrimp I used large shrimp
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 ribs of celery chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup green onions (optional) chopped
Instructions
- Pour the vegetable oil into a large pot or Dutch oven and turn the heat to medium-high.1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Add the chopped chicken and sauté for about 5minutes or until lightly browned.1/2 lb boneless & skinless chicken thighs
- Toss in the diced ham and andouille sausage. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the sausage starts to brown.1 lb Cajun andouille sausage, 1 cup cooked ham
- Stir in the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the veggies are soft and fragrant (about 5- 7 minutes).2 ribs of celery, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 large yellow onion
- Add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock and stir.1 cup crushed tomatoes, 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and add the bay leaves.1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 2 bay leaves
- Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in the uncooked rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover (approximately 10 minutes).2 cups long-grain rice
- Pour in the 2/3 cup of water and stir well. Continue to cook (covered) until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.2/3 cup water
- Fold in the shrimp and let simmer for 5–7 additional minutes until pink and cooked through. Turn off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes.1 1/2 lb shrimp
- Fluff with a fork and top with chopped green onions, if desired.1/2 cup green onions (optional)
- Serve this dish hot and maybe a cold glass of sweet tea!