New Orleans Jambalaya Recipe: A Classic Creole Comfort Dish

There’s nothing quite like the bold flavors and rich history of New Orleans jambalaya. This classic Creole dish brings together succulent shrimp, tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection with rice and a deep, flavorful roux. Every bite is a taste of Louisiana’s vibrant food culture, filled with warmth, spice, and comfort.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, spice up your weeknight dinner, or simply enjoy a taste of the South, this New Orleans jambalaya recipe is just what you need. It’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with layers of flavor.

Let’s dive into the authentic taste of Louisiana and learn how to make this delicious dish at home!

Why You’ll Love This New Orleans Jambalaya Recipe

✔️ Authentic Creole Flavor – A perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and savory depth.
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together, making cleanup easy.
✔️ Packed with Protein – Features shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage.
✔️ Comfort Food at Its Best – Rich, filling, and bursting with flavor.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap proteins to your liking.

Ingredients for New Orleans Jambalaya

Before you start, gather all the ingredients for an authentic, flavor-packed jambalaya.

For the Jambalaya

Ingredient	Amount
Jumbo shrimp, cleaned & deveined	1 lb
Boneless chicken breasts, diced	1 lb
Andouille sausage, sliced	½ lb
Vegetable oil	3 tbsp
All-purpose flour	3 tbsp
White onion, diced	1 cup
Green bell pepper, diced	1 cup
Celery, diced	1 cup
Green onions, diced	1 cup
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Crushed tomatoes	16 oz
Creole seasoning	2 tsp
Dried thyme	1 tsp
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Uncooked long-grain rice	1 cup
Kosher salt	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Cayenne powder (optional)	¼ tsp
Chicken broth	4 cups (add more if needed)

For Garnish

• ½ cup green onions, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a golden brown color (about 10-12 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

3. Add the diced white onion, green bell pepper, celery, and green onions.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

6. Add the diced chicken and sliced andouille sausage to the pot.
7. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 4: Build the Flavor

8. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Creole seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
9. Mix well to combine all the ingredients and allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

10. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is evenly distributed.
11. Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
12. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

13. Once the rice is fully cooked, gently fold in the shrimp.
14. Cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency & Serve

15. If the jambalaya is too thick, add a little more chicken broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
16. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Jambalaya

• Use fresh shrimp – Fresh, high-quality shrimp will enhance the flavor of your jambalaya.
• Don’t rush the roux – A well-cooked roux adds richness and depth to the dish.
• Adjust the spice level – For more heat, add extra cayenne or hot sauce. For milder jambalaya, reduce the Creole seasoning.
• Use long-grain rice – It absorbs flavors well and keeps the texture light and fluffy.
• Make it ahead – Jambalaya tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	15g
Fiber	5g

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

What to Serve with Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a hearty, standalone dish, but you can enhance your meal with:

• Cornbread – A slightly sweet contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Collard Greens – A Southern classic for added nutrients.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Fried Okra – Adds extra crunch and Southern flair.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the rice.

Freezer:

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this jambalaya in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the roux, vegetables, and meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the shrimp in the last 30 minutes.

2. Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! Try crab, crawfish, or even turkey sausage for a unique twist.

3. How do I make jambalaya less spicy?

Reduce the Creole seasoning and cayenne and use mild sausage instead of andouille.

4. Can I substitute brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

5. What’s the difference between Creole and Cajun jambalaya?

Creole jambalaya includes tomatoes, while Cajun jambalaya is more brown and rustic without them.

6. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth and replace the meat with mushrooms, beans, or plant-based sausage.

Final Thoughts: Bring the Taste of New Orleans to Your Kitchen

This New Orleans jambalaya recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, filled with spice, heartiness, and tradition. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or just to satisfy a craving, it’s a dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana.

So grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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