Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp simmered with rice, vegetables, and bold seasonings, perfect for hearty family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken in water seasoned with salt, pepper, and bouillon cubes.
- Cut cooked chicken into cubes.
- Boil shrimp for 1 1/2 minutes in chicken broth; remove shrimp and reserve broth.
- Add Old Bay Seasoning and bay leaves to the broth.
- In a large iron pot, brown chopped onion and green pepper in butter.
- Add mashed garlic, chopped tomatoes with juice, and the reserved broth from shrimp and chicken.
- Add uncooked rice, cover, and cook slowly for 20-30 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add cooked chicken and shrimp to the rice mixture.
- Heat through without boiling before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of the broth with Old Bay seasoning before cooking. You can substitute the shrimp with scallops or even omit seafood for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy with a side of Cold Beet Soup for a refreshing contrast or explore other chicken recipes to accompany your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, then microwave in short intervals or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the rice from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya contains roughly 694 calories, with 40g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly, as brown rice typically takes about 40-50 minutes to cook. This will also change the texture slightly, making it chewier.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the jambalaya up to the point of adding the shrimp and chicken, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply heat it on the stove and add the proteins. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the dish.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra depth. You can also incorporate other vegetables like diced celery or carrots for more texture. Remember that smoked sausage is a classic addition in many jambalaya recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).