Mardi Gras Jambalaya Chicken Shrimp (Printable Version)
Festive Creole dish with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and long-grain rice.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
04 - 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
→ Rice & Liquids
12 - 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
13 - 3 ⅓ cups chicken broth
14 - 1 bay leaf
→ Spices & Seasonings
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
18 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon salt
20 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
21 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides for approximately 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - Add andouille sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
03 - Add remaining tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rice to the pot, stirring to coat thoroughly in the oil and vegetable mixture.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil.
06 - Return browned chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir well, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
07 - Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
08 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in hot sauce if desired. Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- One pot means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as everything simmers together
- The combination of smoked sausage, tender chicken, and sweet shrimp creates layers of taste that keep everyone guessing
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers, trapped steam is essential for proper cooking
- Let the pot rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving, this helps the rice settle and finish absorbing moisture
03 -
- Cut all your proteins into similar sized pieces so everything cooks evenly
- Taste the rice before adding the shrimp, if it needs more salt or heat, this is your moment to adjust