This is a quick (about an hour start to finish) and easy Jambalaya recipe full of chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, although it’s easy to customize it with your favorite proteins.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced in ¼ inch pieces
• 3 small bell peppers, cored and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 – 4 cups chicken (or seafood) stock
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain rice
• 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning (use a store-bought mix, or use our recipe below to make your own)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup sliced okra (if frozen, thaw first)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large, deep pot (stock pot works great) over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and sausage is lightly browned (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Add 2 tablespoons oil to the stockpot and add the bell pepper, celery, jalapeno, onion, and garlic. Saute until the vegetables have softened (about 6-8 minutes).
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, 3 cups stock, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne, and bay leaf, stirring to combine. When mixture reaches a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through. Make sure to stir frequently so the rice doesn’t burn and if needed, add extra stock.
4. Add the okra, stirring to combine, and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and simmer until shrimp are cooked through (2-3 minutes). Stir in the cooked chicken and sausage.
5. Season Jambalya with salt, pepper, and extra cajun seasoning.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve!

Quick and Easy Cajun Seasoning:

Mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:

• 1 Tbsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp Paprika (hot, sweet, smoked, or combo)
• 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp Black pepper
• ½ Tbsp Onion powder
• ½ Tbsp Oregano
• ½ Tbsp Thyme