Easy Homemade Jambalaya is a vibrant, one-pot wonder that brings the heart of New Orleans straight to your dinner table. With a medley of smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and bold Cajun spices, every bite of this dish is a celebration of flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest, designed to satisfy your craving for something hearty, spicy, and full of depth.

What makes this jambalaya truly special is how easy it is to pull together without sacrificing that traditional Louisiana taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes: satisfying, bold, and just the right amount of kick.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious pot of flavor, gather your kitchen essentials. You’ll need a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, which is crucial for allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the rich spices and juices. A sharp chef’s knife will make slicing sausage and dicing vegetables a breeze, and a wooden spoon or spatula helps stir without scratching your pan.

Having measuring spoons and cups ensures your spice ratios are just right, which is key to balancing the bold Cajun flavors. Finally, prep bowls will keep your ingredients organized and your cooking stress-free. Simplicity in tools means more focus on the dish itself, which is exactly what jambalaya deserves.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy depth that anchors the entire flavor profile.
Shrimp: Brings a briny sweetness and tender texture, essential to classic jambalaya.

Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they provide hearty substance.
Long-Grain Rice: Absorbs all the savory broth and spices, making it the perfect carrier of flavor.
Bell Peppers (Red & Green): These colorful veggies add a mild sweetness and visual appeal.

Onion: A foundational aromatic that deepens the savory base.
Celery: A traditional part of the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking, it adds aromatic crunch.
Garlic: Intensifies the savory notes and rounds out the base.

Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth, balancing the spices.
Cajun Seasoning: The soul of the recipe – it delivers heat, smokiness, and that signature Louisiana flavor.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with moisture and savory goodness.

Green Onions: A fresh finish that adds color and a pop of bite.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it helps bring out the flavors of the vegetables and proteins.

How To Make the Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Step 1: Sear the Sausage and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add seasoned chicken pieces and sear until golden.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Layer in the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Return the sausage to the pot. Add long-grain rice and pour in chicken broth. Stir well to combine, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp and Green Onions

Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the shrimp. Cover and let them cook through for 5–7 minutes. Top with chopped green onions just before serving.

How to Serve and Store Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Serve your jambalaya piping hot, straight from the pot. It pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, a simple side salad, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like to mellow the spice. For presentation, sprinkle extra green onions or a few dashes of hot sauce on top for that authentic Southern charm.

Leftovers? Jambalaya is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm it on the stove or microwave until hot.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this jambalaya ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish holds up wonderfully. Make it a day ahead and reheat gently to allow the flavors to deepen.

What can I substitute for andouille sausage?

If you can’t find andouille, smoked sausage or kielbasa makes a good alternative. Just be sure it has that smoky profile.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need additional broth. Adjust accordingly.

How spicy is this jambalaya?

It has a medium kick. You can tone it down by reducing the Cajun seasoning or spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the meats and use vegetable broth. Add hearty vegetables like zucchini, okra, or mushrooms for texture.

Is jambalaya gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check your sausage and broth labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Want More One-Pot Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Homemade Jambalaya, here are more comforting, flavor-packed meals you might want to try next:

One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans: For a wholesome meal that comes together with minimal cleanup.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A cheesy, saucy baked dish that’s pure comfort.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot: An easy slow-cooker winner with bold, garlicky goodness.
Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet: A low-carb, veggie-forward skillet that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Flavorful Jailhouse Rice: A Southern-inspired rice dish that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast when the craving hits:
Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29 for more Southern-style comfort recipes and weeknight favorites.

And don’t forget to share how yours turned out in the comments below. Did you go heavy on the spice? Add extra shrimp? I love hearing your twists and tips!

Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Homemade Jambalaya is a one-pot Southern classic filled with juicy chicken, smoky andouille sausage, plump shrimp, and bold Cajun spices. It’s the perfect blend of hearty and spicy comfort food, ideal for cozy nights or impressing a hungry crowd.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add chopped chicken thighs to the same pot, season lightly, and sear until golden. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

3. In the same pot, add diced onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Stir well, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.

6. Return sausage to the pot. Add rice and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together.

7. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

8. Gently stir in the shrimp, cover again, and let cook for 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

9. Top with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Notes

For deeper flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes.

Let the jambalaya rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to fully absorb the flavors.

Use frozen peeled shrimp to save time—just thaw before adding to the pot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: One-Pot Dinner

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun / Creole

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 475
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 980mg

Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: jambalaya, cajun dinner, shrimp sausage rice, easy jambalaya