Easy Spicy Jambalaya

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Spicy Jambalaya

Want to spice up your dinner? Try making easy spicy jambalaya! This Creole dish brings together rice, meat, and veggies in one tasty pot. You can make delicious jambalaya at home in about an hour with simple ingredients.

Mix chicken, sausage, shrimp, and rice with zesty spices like cayenne and paprika. Cook everything together in a big pot, letting the flavors blend. The result? A hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and fill your belly.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make easy spicy jambalaya:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

For the rice and liquid:

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Don’t have these exact items? Try these swaps:

  • Use turkey or pork instead of chicken
  • Swap kielbasa for andouille sausage
  • Replace shrimp with extra chicken or sausage
  • Try brown rice instead of white (may need more cooking time)
  • Use vegetable broth for a different flavor
  • No Cajun seasoning? Mix paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne

Remember, jambalaya is flexible! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Instructions

Start by chopping onions and bell peppers. Pull the meat from a precooked rotisserie chicken and set it aside.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped veggies and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

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Slice some andouille sausage and add it to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.

Toss in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and your favorite Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir.

Pour in some chicken broth and bring the mix to a boil. Add rice, then lower the heat and cover the pot.

Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. The rice should absorb all the liquid.

Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Your spicy jambalaya is ready to serve!

Spoon the jambalaya into bowls and enjoy your tasty meal. You can add hot sauce for extra kick if you like it really spicy.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best jambalaya, use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. This helps distribute heat evenly and keeps your rice from sticking.

Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Chop veggies, measure spices, and have everything ready to go. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Don’t rush the cooking process. Let flavors develop by simmering slowly. Your patience will be rewarded with a tastier dish.

Adjust spices to your liking. Start with less heat and add more if needed. It’s easier to increase spiciness than to tone it down.

For extra flavor, try using andouille sausage or adding shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.

Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

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You can freeze jambalaya for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture might change slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.

For a quick weeknight meal, prep and freeze uncooked ingredients together. Thaw and cook when you’re ready for a homemade dinner with minimal effort.