Description
A hearty, one-pot Easy Jambalaya loaded with chicken, shrimp, rice, and bold Cajun flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Proteins & Veggies:
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice & Seasoning:
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken: heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken and brown 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add rice and seasonings: stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (optional), salt and pepper for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add liquids and simmer: pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Add shrimp and chicken back: return chicken to pot, place shrimp on top, cover and cook 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Finish and garnish: fluff rice gently, sprinkle with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Adjust cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste.
Swap proteins or add extra vegetables if desired.
Make-ahead tip: cook base (chicken, vegetables, rice) a day before, add shrimp fresh before serving.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg