Zesty New Orleans Spicy Jambalaya Recipe: Southern Soul Food

Weeknight dinners come alive with a mouthwatering spicy jambalaya recipe that packs incredible flavor into every single bite.

Southern kitchens buzz with the rich culinary traditions of this hearty dish.

New Orleans cooking cultures blend perfectly in this one-pot wonder.

Smoky andouille sausage and tender chicken dance alongside plump shrimp and vibrant vegetables.

Rice absorbs the robust spices and creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

Each spoonful tells a story of Louisiana’s incredible cuisine.

This recipe promises to become your go-to meal for comforting, zesty dinners that will impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Classic Jambalaya

• Andouille Sausage: Delivers smoky, spicy flavor and hearty texture to elevate the jambalaya's robust character.
• Chicken Thighs: Provides tender, juicy meat that absorbs surrounding spices and adds rich depth to the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent depth and traditional Louisiana cooking aroma.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory cooking liquid that infuses rice with rich, complex flavors.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright acidity and moisture to balance the dish's intense spices.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami depth and tangy complexity to enhance overall taste profile.
• Dried Thyme: Contributes herbal, slightly minty notes typical in Creole cooking.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers authentic Louisiana heat and traditional spicy kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Balance and intensify all other flavor elements.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Serves as the perfect absorbent base that captures all the dish's incredible flavors.

Tools to Make a One-Pot Creole Masterpiece

• Large Pan or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking meats and developing deep flavors in this classic one-pot dish.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing sausage and chicken into perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly cutting meats and preparing ingredients with precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and moving ingredients around the pan while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add olive oil for consistent results.
• Plate or Bowl: Needed for setting aside cooked sausage and chicken during recipe preparation.

Cooking Instructions for a Bold, Flavorful Jambalaya

• Sizzle Sausage Kickstart your jambalaya by heating olive oil in a large pan. Toss in sliced sausage and let it dance around until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, releasing those rich, smoky flavors.
• Brown Chicken Next, welcome chicken pieces into the same sizzling pan. Let them sear and develop a delicious crust, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
• Sauté Aromatics Introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pan. Watch as they soften and release their incredible fragrance, creating the classic Cajun flavor foundation.
• Spice It Up Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a touch of thyme. Let the spices mingle and coat the meat and vegetables, building layers of deep, complex taste.
• Rice and Liquid Magic Pour in rice, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, allowing the rice to absorb all those incredible flavors brewing in the pan.
• Simmer to Perfection Cover the pan and let the jambalaya gently simmer. The rice will plump up, the flavors will meld, and the magic of Creole cooking will come to life.
• Final Flourish Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, fluff everything together. Garnish with fresh green onions for a bright, zesty finish.

Creative Touches to Make It Your Own

• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start with a small quantity and gradually increase to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare jambalaya a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat before serving for enhanced taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sausage and substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or mixed beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for robust flavor and texture.
• Budget-Friendly Hack: Swap expensive proteins with more affordable options like chicken thighs or substitute some meat with additional vegetables to reduce overall cost without compromising taste.

Ways to Serve Jambalaya That Feel Like Home

• Festive Fiesta Plating: Serve jambalaya in a large, colorful ceramic bowl that highlights the vibrant mix of meats and rice, creating a stunning centerpiece for your dining table.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, spicy dish.
• Side Companion Delight: Pair with a crisp green salad or warm crusty French bread to balance the hearty and bold flavors of the jambalaya, giving diners a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Spice Level Options: Offer hot sauce on the side so guests can customize their heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish exactly how they like it.

Storage and Reheat Tips That Keep It Tasty

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook a double batch of jambalaya and divide into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Label with dates to track freshness.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover jambalaya in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days. Place a paper towel on top before sealing to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion jambalaya into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen jambalaya stays delicious for up to 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Success: Revive refrigerated or thawed jambalaya by adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Spicy Jambalaya Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary heritage to life with robust Creole flavors. Spicy rice, tender meats, and zesty seasonings create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 200 g (7 oz) smoked andouille sausage (or chorizo, sliced)
• 200 g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth for extra flavor)
• 1 (400 g / 14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear sliced sausage in a heated skillet with olive oil, developing golden-brown edges and releasing deep, caramelized flavors. Remove and set aside.
2. Chicken Searing: In the same pan, brown chicken pieces thoroughly, ensuring each surface achieves a crisp, rich exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall taste profile.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and celery in remaining pan drippings, creating a classic Creole flavor base that infuses the entire dish with traditional Louisiana essence.
4. Spice Integration: Introduce minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper, stirring vigorously to distribute intense, complex spice notes throughout the vegetable mixture.
5. Liquid Transformation: Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, stirring to combine ingredients and ensure even liquid distribution. Return sausage and chicken to the pan.
6. Simmering and Melding: Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing rice to absorb flavors and proteins to become tender, creating a harmonious one-pot culinary experience.
7. Final Flourish: Uncover, fluff rice, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, letting the jambalaya rest briefly before serving to enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Optimize Protein Searing: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve maximum caramelization and develop deeper flavor profiles for sausage and chicken.
• Control Heat Precision: Maintain medium-high temperature consistently to prevent burning while ensuring proper protein browning and sealing in natural juices.
• Layer Flavor Technique: Reuse the same pan with residual oils to capture and amplify the meat’s accumulated flavor essence, creating a rich base for subsequent cooking stages.
• Meat Preparation Tip: Pat chicken and sausage dry before searing to enhance surface browning and prevent steaming, which ensures a crisp, golden exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg