This zesty Jambalaya never fails to impress! It’s loaded with shrimp, chicken and sausage and is made in one large pot or deep skillet. Perfect for entertaining a crowd!
Today, I’m sharing my go-to meal when I’ve got a crowd coming for dinner at the beach. I’ve made this Jambalaya countless times and it’s always, and I mean ALWAYS, a big crowd pleaser!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
I don’t know about you guys, but there’s nothing better than a one-pot meal. And today’s recipe for Jambalaya is a one-pot tried and true recipe here at the BHK.
It’s always a hit with family and friends and it makes enough for a crowd. So if you’ve got a party scheduled for the 4th this year and you’re looking for a meal that’s got everything, this Jambalaya is it! No need for sides. It’s a wham, bam, one stop shop!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- olive oil
- chicken
- salt and pepper
- yellow onion
- celery
- red and green peppers
- garlic
- low-sodium chicken broth
- diced tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- long grain rice
- Creole seasoning
- bay leaf
- thyme leaves
- smoked or andouille sausage
- shrimp
- fresh parsley
There are so many reasons why Jambalaya is one of my favorite meals. #1 it’s packed with spicy flavor and absolutely delicious, #2 it’s a one-pot dish, and #3 this dish covers three of the main food groups and it’s all in one big pan. No huge mess in the kitchen! Woohoo! That’s the kind of meal that’s a total winner for me. All you’ll need is some good wine and family and friends with big appetites!
Step-By-Step Instructions
First, you’ll cook your chicken until it’s browned and almost cooked through. You can use a large Dutch oven for this recipe or a very large, deep skillet. You’ll remove it from the skillet and next up will be your onions, celery and peppers followed by some garlic.
Once the veggies are softened a bit, you’ll add your chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, seasonings, sausage and your cooked chicken. You’ll bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the rice is cooked.
The last ingredient you’ll add is your shrimp. You’ll stir them in and cook them until they’re pink and cooked though.
As I mentioned above, no need for any sides. You’ve got everything in one pot. Maybe just a cold beer or glass of wine and you’re set.
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Jambalaya
You can use either a Dutch oven for this recipe or a very deep, large skillet if you have one. I actually recommend the Dutch oven so you don’t need to worry about the skillet overflowing on your stove.
You can also half this recipe for a smaller crowd.
You can use smoked sausage for this recipe or andouille sausage. I use either Johnsonville or Aidells.
More Delicious Cajun Recipes to Enjoy
Jambalaya
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped (2-3 ribs)
- 1 1/4 cups red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups green pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 cups long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Creole seasoning, I use Tony Chachere's
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 1/2 lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- chopped fresh parsley and hot sauce for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in an extra large saute pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan and cook, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes until nicely browned and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate.
- Add remaining 2 Tbsp. oil to the pan along with onions, celery, and peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened, stirring to loosen brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, seasonings, sausage and cooked chicken and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once mixture starts to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring often for 25-30 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in shrimp and continue to cook, stirring often until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I love all the reasons why this dish is a winner, especially the one pot part….then again, I do love spice too :) I’ve never made jambalaya before, but pinning this one and trying soon! So many delicious flavours going on and absolutely perfect for a crowd! Happy Monday, my friend! xo
Mary Ann
Me too Dawn! This dish is always perfect for company! I feel like I can pay attention to all my guests instead of clearing tons of dishes and pots and pans! It’s so incredibly flavorful too. My husband Tom loves it! Have a great week!
Charles
Tried it out today, it came out delicious! I did the rice separately so that I could use fresh rice when we eat the leftovers. It was a hit with the family.
Mary Ann
I’m so happy you and the family enjoyed it Charles! Thanks so much for following the BHK and trying the recipe!
Alida | Simply Delicious
How I wish I could be enjoying a bowl-full of this fantastic Jambalaya right now Mary Ann. I am DEFINITELY trying this soon!!
Mary Ann
You’ll love it Alida! It’s so packed with flavor!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
This is seriously amazing. I’ve never tried making homemade jambalaya!!!
Mary Ann
Definitely try it Jennifer! My husband Tom LOVES it!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Oh yes! I was just thinking I’m overdue for a feed of jambalaya :) Hard to beat all those great flavours in one pan!
Mary Ann
It really is hard to beat Jennifer!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
Can’t beat a one-pot dinner and this is perfect for summer when you don’t want to bother with all the kitchen mess!
Mary Ann
Totally agree Gina!
Matt
Love a good summer comfort recipe like this!
Mary Ann
Me too Matt!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
Aren’t tried and true recipes the best, Mary Ann! Specially ones like this that wow your guests. Hope you’re have a great summer!
Mary Ann
Every time I make this it always gets rave reviews! Hope your summer is going great too Geraldine!
Tessa | Salted Plains
One of my very favorite meals – yours looks amazingly delicious!! It really is a crowd pleaser! Will be making your recipe soon. xo
Mary Ann
I’m so glad Tessa! My husband adores this dish. Happy Monday!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I am all about summer comfort food and this ticks all the boxes! Spicy and one-pot lead the way!! Pinned!!
Mary Ann
The one-pot factor is HUGE for me Annie! Then I get to enjoy more time with my company!
Chris Scheuer
I can supply the appetite! This looks wonderful. I love making gumbo but have never done Jambalaya, thanks for the inspiration!
Mary Ann
Woohoo! Knew I could count on you Chris! Anytime. Have a great week.
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is
Absolutely love jambalaya, one of my favorite comfort meals – and so true, perfect to feed a big crowd! Can’t wait to make this one soon, have a great week!
Mary Ann
Me too Michelle! My husband was the one who turned me onto it many years back. I’ve been making it when I have lots of company for years. Can’t beat the one pot meal!
Naomi
Bookmarked! I love anything rice, especially when it looks like this.
Mary Ann
Yes!! You’ll love this Naomi! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Michele @ Bacon Fatte
Another gorgeous summertime dish, Mary Ann! I’ll bring the good wine and the big appetites anytime! :-)
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Michele! You definitely should give this one a go! It’s fabulous! Have a great week!
Gerlinde
Ok Mary Ann , I am making your jambalaya. When I don’t know but eventually I will make it. What size of pan do you use? Pinned !
Mary Ann
I guarantee you will love it Gerlinde! This makes quite a bit. I use my 6 quart saute pan with a lid. You could also use an extra large Dutch oven. Let me know how you like it!
Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef
Thanks, I have a 6 quart sauté pan with a lid.
Mary Ann
Great!
Cindy
I have never made a jambalaya, but I love to eat them. You make it look so easy. I think I should give this a go.
Mary Ann
It’s so good and quite easy Cindy! Definitely worth a try!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
oh my gawd, my fave!!! love!
Mary Ann
I know, it’s my fave too Alice!
Tieghan
Incredible! This sounds so delicious!
Mary Ann
So easy too Tieghan! Gotta love those one-pot meals!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
There’s nothing better than a busy kitchen and cooking for friends and family. This jambalaya looks like a winner. Love that it’s a one pot dish! Happy Cooking! :)
Mary Ann
I know, right?! I’m in my element when I’m cooking for friends and family Kathy! You’ve got to try this jambalaya. It’s perfect for a crowd!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Oh My Mary Ann!! I loooove jambalaya.. and it IS a crowd pleaser! When I lived in Corpus Texas, we had a friend from Louisiana who taught me how to make jambalaya – I’ve been making it ever since (now, vegetarian style). The flavors draw me in! What a delicious and fun recipe for sharing!
Mary Ann
It is so fun Traci! It would be awesome vegetarian too I bet! The flavors are wonderful!!
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper
This looks so good Mary Ann!!! I love your addition of chicken thighs too!! So yummy :-)
Mary Ann
I always go for the chickwen thighs Lindsay! This is one tasty dish!
Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl)
This dish looks amazing!
Mary Ann
That’s Pamela! I hope you give it a go. It’s sooo good!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
Jambalaya is so delicious but I’ve never made it at home – clearly that needs to change immediately! Your recipe looks incredible and perfect for summer entertaining!
Mary Ann
I hope you do Laura! It’s such a great meal for a crowd.
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Mary Ann I love jambalaya sooo much!! Your recipe and images totally live up to the image I have in mind of the perfect jambalaya. I cannot wait to try this!
Mary Ann
Yay Katherine!! My job is done then. I hope you enjoy it!
Nicole
I am making for a very large crowd. Will the rice cook correctly/evenly if I make it in a taller stew pot??
Mary Ann
Hi Nicole. That should be fine. Just don’t over stir or your rice will become mushy. You want the liquid to be mostly absorbed, then remove it from the heat. This one’s a winner!
Danielle
This sounds amazing. My only question is, when exactly do you add the sausage in? It’s listed twice in the directions and I just want to make sure I don’t put it in too early or too late.
Planning on making this for my boyfriend on Thursday…can’t wait!
Mary Ann
I’m sorry Danielle! You add the sausage in step #3 with the chicken. You guys are going to love it! It makes enough for a crowd. Always delicious for leftovers too!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
What a great idea for a beach dinner for a crowd! Love it!
Mary Ann
It really is Karen! It’s always a big hit! Hope your summer is going great!
Marla Meridith
One of my all time favorite southern recipes!
Mary Ann
Mine too Marla!
Irina
I love it! Looks like a great idea for a dinner:)
irinathayer.com
Mary Ann
You need to give it a try Irina! I guarantee you’ll love it. Thanks so much for following and taking the time to leave a comment!
lindsay Cotter
Jambalaya is my fav! you nailed it! Spicy one pot wonder! so perfect ANY time of year. Saving this! PLus i adore sausage! haha.
Mary Ann
It’s so good Lindsay, isn’t it?! Perfect for company! Makes my entertaining life so much easier!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
Jambalaya has been on my gotta make it Bucket List for SO long! Now I’ve got the perfect recipe – pinning to finally make this one! :)
Mary Ann
Yay! Tell me how you like it!
kimj
What kind of smoked sausage? Is it precooked?
Mary Ann
I used Hillshire Farms smoked sausage.
Guinevere
Is there a rice you can substitute for the long grain?
Mary Ann
Long grain is the traditional rice for jambalaya, but you could also use brown rice if you prefer. Enjoy Guinevere! It’s one of our favorites!
Lynne Schauer
First time making jambalaya. We are having it for dinner tonight. It tastes great. Will definitely make again!
Mary Ann
Hi Lynne. So happy you gave the recipe a try! This is one of my go-to’s when I’ve got a crowd at the beach!