Easy Classic Creole Jambalaya Recipe: Spicy Soul Food Magic

Crafting an authentic creole jambalaya recipe sparks culinary excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Savory aromas quickly fill the room with memories of louisiana’s rich cooking traditions.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty one-pot wonder that combines rice, proteins, and vibrant spices.

Robust flavors dance across your palate with each carefully seasoned bite.

Coastal influences and cultural heritage shine through every spoonful of this legendary dish.

Regional ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that connects past and present.

You’ll want to gather your cast-iron skillet and dive into this delectable southern classic right now.

Why Classic Creole Jambalaya Tastes So Good

• Spice Up Your Meal Adventure: Jambalaya's Irresistible Charm!
• – Burst with Bold Flavors: Packed with a harmonious blend of spices, chicken, shrimp, and hot dogs that dance together in a single pot, creating a taste explosion that will wow your taste buds.
• – Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying meal that brings people together with its rich and vibrant Creole essence.
• – Quick and Simple Cooking: With straightforward steps and minimal kitchen equipment needed, this recipe allows home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques or hours of preparation.

Everything In Classic Creole Jambalaya

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides a rich, hearty base for the jambalaya.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a classic Creole flavor and texture.
• Hot Dogs: Adds a unique protein element with a mild, savory taste.

• Onion, Garlic, Chili Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Foundational vegetables that create a deep, complex flavor profile for the dish.
• Tomatoes, Spring Onions: Fresh ingredients that contribute brightness and additional depth to the jambalaya.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that intensifies the overall tomato flavor.

• Rice: The core grain that serves as the hearty base of the jambalaya.
• Chicken Stock, Water: Liquid components that help cook the rice and create moisture.
• Spice Mix, Salt, Thyme, Chicken Seasoning Cube: Spices and seasonings that bring authentic Creole flavor to the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

Making Classic Creole Jambalaya Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Spice Blend

Create a flavorful spice mix by combining all seasonings in a small bowl. This blend will infuse your jambalaya with rich, authentic Creole flavors.

Step 2: Season Protein

Coat chicken breasts and shrimp with a portion of the spice blend, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for maximum taste.

Step 3: Brown Chicken

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside for later use.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Chili pepper
• Red bell pepper

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

Add tomato paste, spring onions, and remaining spice mix.

Cook for one minute to intensify the aromatic profile of the dish.

Step 6: Incorporate Rice

Stir rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the flavorful base.

Step 7: Add Liquid and Simmer

• Chicken stock
• Water
• Salt
• Thyme
• Chicken seasoning cube

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 8: Finish With Proteins

• Cooked chicken
• Shrimp
• Hot dogs

Cover and let sit for a few minutes until shrimp is fully cooked.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the steaming hot jambalaya and savor the rich, complex flavors of this classic Creole dish.

Kitchen Tips For Classic Creole Jambalaya

• Swap hot dogs for turkey sausage to create a leaner protein option that maintains authentic flavor. Keep rice perfectly fluffy by avoiding excessive stirring during cooking, which prevents starch release and sticky textures. Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for optimal separation and authentic Creole texture. Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance. Fresh seafood makes a significant difference, so select high-quality shrimp from reliable sources for maximum taste and texture.

Tasty Styles Of Classic Creole Jambalaya

• Seafood Jambalaya: Replace chicken and hot dogs with a mix of crab, crawfish, and extra shrimp for a pure ocean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Swap proteins with plant-based sausage, tofu, and black beans while keeping the signature Creole spice blend.
• Spicy Andouille Jambalaya: Use spicy Andouille sausage instead of hot dogs and increase chili pepper for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Jambalaya: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, grain-free alternative that maintains traditional flavors.

What To Serve With Classic Creole Jambalaya

• Pair with Zesty Cocktails: Mix a spicy Bloody Mary or Hurricane cocktail to complement the bold Creole flavors and add a kick of New Orleans-style excitement.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's spiciness and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty jambalaya.
• Match with Cool Beer: Choose a light lager or wheat beer like Hefeweizen to cut through the dish's intensity and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Fresh Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar to provide a crisp, cool side that offsets the jambalaya's warm, spicy profile.

How To Store Classic Creole Jambalaya The Right Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the jambalaya completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Storage: Pack the cooled jambalaya in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour jambalaya into a skillet, add a splash of chicken stock or water.

Questions And Answers On Classic Creole Jambalaya

• What is the origin of Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish from Louisiana, featuring a mix of rice, meat, and vegetables, reflecting the multicultural influences of French, Spanish, and African cuisines in the region.

• Is Jambalaya spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili pepper and spice mix used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make Jambalaya without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with other proteins like additional chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The key is to maintain the dish’s rich, flavorful base.

Classic Creole Jambalaya Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Louisiana classic Creole Jambalaya blends soulful Cajun traditions with rich, hearty ingredients that dance across your palate. Sausage, shrimp, and tender chicken mingle with aromatic rice, creating a one-pot masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 medium hot dogs or sausages (e.g., chicken hotdogs), sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 hot chili pepper, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 110 grams tomato paste
• 5 spring onions, chopped

Spices and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder
• 3.5 cups raw rice (long grain)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon spice mix
• 1 chicken seasoning cube

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining selected seasonings in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Liberally coat chicken and shrimp with a portion of the aromatic spice mixture.
3. Warm a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, introducing a thin layer of culinary oil.
4. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown, then transfer to a temporary holding plate.
5. Within the same pot, introduce additional oil if necessary, then gently sauté aromatic vegetables including onions, garlic, tomatoes, chili, and bell peppers until they soften and release their fragrant essence.
6. Incorporate tomato paste, spring onions, and remaining spice blend, allowing flavors to meld for approximately one minute.
7. Fold rice into the vegetable medley, ensuring each grain is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
8. Pour in chicken stock, water, salt, thyme, and seasoning cube. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.
9. Cover pot and allow jambalaya to simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice absorbs liquid and reaches tender perfection.
10. Gently fold in previously cooked chicken, raw shrimp, and sliced hot dogs.
11. Replace lid and let ingredients harmonize for several minutes until shrimp transforms from translucent to opaque.
12. Serve piping hot, presenting a vibrant, flavor-packed Creole classic.

Notes

• Swap protein options easily to customize the jambalaya for different dietary needs, like using tofu for vegetarians or lean turkey instead of chicken.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing the amount of chili pepper, making it mild for kids or extra hot for spice lovers.
• Consider using brown rice for a more nutritious version with added fiber and nutrients, though cooking time might slightly increase.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, chopping vegetables and measuring spices in advance can save time during actual cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg