"Lite" Jambalaya
A flavorful and hearty Louisiana-inspired dish blending chicken, turkey sausage, shrimp, and spices with rice for a satisfying, low-fat jambalaya perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cubed ⓘ
- 1 lb. turkey sausage ⓘ
- 6 oz. frozen shrimp ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy pan, saute chicken cubes, butter, onions, and garlic until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Add sausage, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cloves; simmer on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice; lower heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shrimp and cook until they are hot.
- Pour into a serving dish and sprinkle with cayenne pepper.
- Serve hot!
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and be mindful of the amount of butter. You can substitute the shrimp with diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian option. If you're looking for an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika. Always taste as you go, adjusting salt and spices to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Rice With Onion And Bay Leaf for a complementary side dish. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for an added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Lite" Jambalaya contains roughly 1154 calories, with 54g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (269% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (192% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this jambalaya in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya a day ahead. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Homemade broth will enhance the flavor significantly if you have it on hand.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like diced tomatoes, okra, or corn into the mix. Adding them not only enhances the nutrition but also adds a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.
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).