Spicy, smoky, and cooked in just one pan—this easy jambalaya is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary weeknight into a cozy Southern-inspired feast.

I still remember the first time I made jambalaya. My youngest was cranky, I had exactly 35 minutes before soccer practice, and I needed a miracle meal. I threw together some leftover chicken, frozen shrimp, and sausage from the back of the fridge—and out came this magical, one-pan wonder.

Now it’s a regular at our table. It’s rich, comforting, and secretly packed with protein and veggies—without feeling like “health food.”

If you’re craving a cozy, Cajun-style dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen in chaos, this one’s for you.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup long-grain brown rice (uncooked)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the meats:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and brown for 2–3 minutes. Add chicken, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.

2. Sauté the veggies:
   Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the rice and spices:
   Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute.

4. Simmer it all:
   Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Add shrimp last:
   Stir in the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover again until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

6. Garnish & serve:
   Fluff with a fork, sprinkle green onions and parsley on top, and serve hot!

Sarah’s Tips

• No shrimp? Just double the chicken or sausage.

• Spice level: Start with less cayenne if you're sensitive to heat. Add hot sauce at the end for spice-lovers.

• Meal prep tip: This reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s bold, hearty, and only dirties ONE pan. Plus, it sneaks in so many good-for-you ingredients without tasting “healthy.” It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but leaves you energized—not bloated or sluggish.

Even better? My kids actually ask for seconds. And let’s be honest—when does that happen with anything that’s not pizza?

Nutrition (per serving – serves 6)

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 17g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g