Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish made with rice, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and flavorful spices. It is a comforting one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
This easy jambalaya combines tender chicken and juicy shrimp with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and simple seasonings. Everything cooks together, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley for serving
How to Make Easy Jambalaya
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, until lightly browned.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Seasonings
Add the paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Stir well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.
4. Add the Rice and Tomatoes
Add the rice and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together for about 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and return the cooked chicken to the pot.
5. Cook the Jambalaya
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 18–20 minutes.
Avoid stirring too often while the rice is cooking.
6. Add the Shrimp
When the rice is almost cooked, add the shrimp on top. Cover the pot again and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
If the rice needs more liquid, add a small amount of warm chicken broth.
7. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the jambalaya rest for about 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve hot.
Tips for Making Jambalaya
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Do not add the shrimp too early because they can become overcooked.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spice.
- Let the jambalaya rest for a few minutes before serving.
- You can add sausage if you want a richer and more traditional Louisiana-style version.
What to Serve with Jambalaya
Jambalaya is filling on its own, but you can serve it with simple sides such as:
- Green salad
- Cornbread
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Coleslaw
Final Thoughts
Easy Jambalaya with Chicken and Shrimp is a flavorful one-pot meal that brings together tender chicken, juicy shrimp, seasoned rice, and colorful vegetables. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner while still being special enough to serve to guests.
If you enjoy hearty rice dishes with plenty of flavor, this jambalaya is a great recipe to add to your dinner menu.