Spicy Creole Jambalaya

A rich and flavorful one-pot Jambalaya made with tender shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered in a bold, spicy Creole tomato sauce. This Louisiana-inspired dish is the ultimate Southern comfort food with just the right amount of heat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and packed with flavor.
• Perfect balance of proteins – A mix of shrimp, sausage, and chicken for variety.
• Bold and spicy – The Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper add a fiery kick.
• Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap proteins based on preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Jambalaya:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sear the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken – In the same pot, add diced chicken and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables – Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Simmer the rice – Stir in diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp and sausage – Once the rice is tender, stir in the cooked sausage and shrimp. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked.
6. Serve – Remove bay leaves, garnish with green onions and fresh parsley, and enjoy hot!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Spicy Jambalaya – Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace the meat with black beans, kidney beans, or mushrooms.
• Seafood-Only Version – Omit the chicken and sausage, and use a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops.
• Low-Carb Alternative – Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the broth accordingly.
• Different Sausage – If you can’t find andouille, use chorizo or smoked sausage.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. What makes this jambalaya Creole-style?

Creole Jambalaya includes tomatoes, while Cajun Jambalaya is typically brown and tomato-free.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Jambalaya tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.

3. What type of rice works best for jambalaya?

Long-grain white rice is best. Avoid instant or short-grain rice, which can become mushy.

4. How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid over-stirring while it cooks.

5. Can I substitute brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add extra broth.

6. What can I serve with jambalaya?

Serve with cornbread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.

7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients (except shrimp) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes.

8. What’s the best way to add smoky flavor?

Use smoked paprika, smoked sausage, or a few drops of liquid smoke.

9. Can I make this without shrimp?

Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp or replace it with extra chicken or sausage.

10. How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Conclusion

This Spicy Creole Jambalaya is a flavor-packed, one-pot Southern dish that brings together smoky sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp in a richly seasoned rice base. Whether you’re making it for family dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, this authentic and hearty dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a true taste of Louisiana!