Mardi Gras Jambalaya Chicken Shrimp (Printable)

A flavorful Cajun rice dish with chicken, shrimp, and spicy sausage, perfect for festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
03 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Rice & Liquids

11 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
12 - 3 cups chicken broth
13 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

14 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
18 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
19 - 1 bay leaf
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - Add sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
03 - Add remaining tablespoon oil, then sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and bay leaf. Toast spices and rice for 1 minute.
05 - Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, browned chicken, and sausage. Stir well and bring to a boil.
06 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is just tender.
07 - Scatter shrimp over the top, cover again, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
08 - Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Gently fluff rice and fold in green onions and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One pot delivers an entire feast with layers of flavor that develop while it simmers
  • The combination of proteins means every bite has something different to discover
  • It feeds a crowd but tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for gatherings
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers, or youll lose steam and the rice wont cook evenly
  • The rice continues absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so dont let it get too dry during cooking
  • Let the pot rest for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing for the best texture
03 -
  • Make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper with smaller amounts of cayenne and thyme
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, but cook the proteins and vegetables right before serving for the best texture

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