Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Phase 1: Building the Flavor Foundation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion, bell peppers, and celery; season generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are beautifully softened and fragrant, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the 1-inch pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the 1 tsp. dried oregano; season again with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage, tomato paste, and finely chopped garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute, until the garlic is wonderfully fragrant and the tomato paste has deepened in color. Ensure the andouille sausage gets nicely browned, releasing its flavorful fat and contributing to the fond on the bottom of the pot.
Phase 2: Simmering the Jambalaya Base
- Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock and the 1 (15-oz.) can of crushed tomatoes. Add the 1 cup of long-grain rice and the 2 tsp. of Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred authentic Cajun seasoning blend). Stir everything well to combine, ensuring you scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow it to gently simmer. Resist the urge to lift the lid! This is crucial for creating the steam needed to cook the rice evenly. Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is almost absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Phase 3: Finishing and Serving
- Finally, add the 1 lb. of peeled, deveined medium shrimp. Cook, gently tossing to combine, until the shrimp turn perfectly pink and are just cooked through, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- Divide the finished Jambalaya among bowls, letting the aromas fill your kitchen. Top generously with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Nutrition
Notes
This Jambalaya masterfully blends Creole and Cajun culinary traditions, creating a deeply savory and satisfying dish. By prioritizing techniques like deep browning and incorporating the Holy Trinity, along with thoughtful seasoning, you'll achieve authentic Louisiana flavor at home. Leftovers are fantastic, making it perfect for meal prep. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.