Easy Homemade Jambalaya

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Spicy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Homemade Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that brings the bold taste of Louisiana right to your dinner table. With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies all simmered together with perfectly seasoned rice, this dish is a hearty celebration of Southern comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that smells incredible while it’s cooking—and tastes even better.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, Jambalaya is one of those dishes that looks and tastes like it took all day, but really comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is big on flavor, low on effort, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Jambalaya

This dish is the ultimate comfort meal with a kick! You’ll love how it combines proteins like shrimp, sausage, and chicken in one delicious pot. Plus, the blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes creates a deep, rich flavor that coats every bite of rice.

It’s also super versatile. Prefer just seafood? Go for it. Need a gluten-free dinner idea? Done. Jambalaya works with what you have and adapts to your taste. It reheats beautifully, freezes well, and gets even better the next day.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use in Jambalaya?

Traditionally, smoked andouille sausage is the go-to for its spicy and bold flavor that defines the heart of authentic jambalaya. However, if you can’t find andouille, feel free to substitute with kielbasa or another smoked sausage. Just make sure it’s packed with flavor—you want it to stand out among the other ingredients.

Avoid fresh sausage links that need extra cooking or crumbling, since smoked sausage adds both depth and convenience to this easy dish.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Every ingredient in this Jambalaya recipe plays an essential role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: Adds a sweet, briny bite and cooks quickly, making it perfect for a fast meal.
• Smoked Sausage: Provides a deep, smoky spice. Andouille is ideal, but any flavorful smoked sausage works.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Adds lean protein and balances the dish with a mild flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Their sweetness and crunch create a beautiful contrast in both flavor and color.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone that infuses the entire dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and acidic, they help form the base of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers savory depth while keeping the rice moist as it cooks.
• Rice: Long grain rice is best—it cooks up fluffy without clumping.
• Cajun Seasoning: The spice mix that ties it all together with heat and bold flavor.
• Green Onions: A fresh finish for garnish and a little crunch.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Jambalaya

Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Start by browning the sliced sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. This step releases flavorful oils and caramelizes the edges for a richer taste.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the sausage is done, set it aside and cook the chicken in the same pot to soak up all those smoky flavors. Season lightly with salt and Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add your chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, which builds the aromatic base of the dish.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Rice

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and stir in the uncooked rice. Let it soak up the flavor for a minute before adding liquid.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the shrimp. They cook quickly and will turn pink and firm when done.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice gently, top with sliced green onions, and serve hot!

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How to Serve and Store Easy Homemade Jambalaya

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Serve it hot right out of the pot with a sprinkle of green onions and maybe a dash of hot sauce for those who like it extra spicy.

To store, allow it to cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s texture.

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What to Serve With Easy Homemade Jambalaya?

Cornbread

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread balances out the heat and spice of jambalaya perfectly.

Collard Greens

A Southern classic, these greens bring a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that pairs well with the boldness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

To soak up every last bit of the savory sauce, garlic bread is a warm and buttery side option.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the jambalaya.

Fried Okra

Crispy and golden, fried okra offers texture and a traditional Southern vibe.

Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are a wholesome way to round out the meal.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade

A classic Southern drink to cool things down and complement the spices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Jambalaya ahead of time?
Absolutely! Jambalaya actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Is Jambalaya spicy?
It can be, depending on your Cajun seasoning and sausage. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a mild sausage or reducing the amount of seasoning.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the very end just to warm through. Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them rubbery.

What type of rice is best for Jambalaya?
Long grain white rice is the most common and works beautifully here. Avoid instant or short-grain rice as it can turn mushy.

How do I freeze Jambalaya?
Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with extra hot sauce? Did you swap in turkey sausage or add more veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Looking for more hearty dinner ideas? Check out my daily recipes on Pinterest: Life With Livia Pinterest.

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Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Jambalaya brings the soulful taste of Louisiana straight to your kitchen in under an hour. With its mix of smoky sausage, tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and flavorful rice, it’s a true celebration of Southern comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe promises a big payoff with minimal effort. It’s a keeper for your dinner rotation—spicy, filling, and oh-so satisfying.

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