Quick Jambalaya

When you need a hearty, flavor-packed supper without spending all evening in the kitchen, this Easy Quick Jambalaya is just the ticket! Made with a few convenient shortcuts, this semi-homemade recipe brings the Cajun-inspired flavors of Louisiana to your dinner table with minimal fuss. My family loves it made with smoky sausage and tender chicken, but you can easily switch things up by adding shrimp or crawfish for a seafood twist. Serve it piping hot with chopped green onions and a bottle of hot sauce on the side, and you’ve got a satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Easy Quick Jambalaya Recipe

We all have those days when getting supper on the table feels like one more thing on an already busy schedule. That’s when a little kitchen shortcut can come in mighty handy! While I generally enjoy making my own spice rubs and seasoning blends from scratch, I also know there’s a time and place for a good semi-homemade meal, one of the tricks to getting food on the table after a hectic day.

Quick Jambalaya is one of those recipes that makes life a little easier without sacrificing flavor. By starting with quality packaged ingredients and adding your own choice of smoked sausage, chicken, or seafood, you can customize the flavors to suit your family’s tastes. It’s a wonderful option for busy weeknights, casual family suppers, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, Louisiana-inspired meal without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a little help from the grocery store when it gets a delicious dinner on the table!

• Protein – Boneless skinless chicken breasts and andouille sausage.
• Veggies – Onion, red bell pepper and green bell pepper plus celery for texture. The “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking.
• Oil – Olive oil to sauté the meat and vegetables.
• Sauces – Hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves – Minced garlic enhances the taste.
• Spices – Store-bought Creole seasoning for flavor.
• Rice Mix – One 8 ounce box jambalaya Rice Mix i.e. Zatarain’s or Tony Chachere.
• Tomatoes – Canned tomatoes add an acidic tomato flavor to balance the richness of the sausage.
• Liquid – Chicken broth for moisture.

How to Make Quick Jambalaya Recipe

• Sauté Vegetables – Cook the onion, peppers and celery until translucent and beginning to brown.
• Chicken and Sausage – Add chicken and sausage. Continue to cook just until chicken begins to brown.
• Mix-ins – To the chicken add minced garlic, creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, rice, tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well.
• Cook – Cover and simmer on low per the recipe until all of the liquid is absorbed.
• Optional Seafood – If adding shrimp, add during the last 5 minutes of cooking. (12 medium-large shrimp)
• Stand Time – Remove from heat and let stand covered.
• Serve topped with parsley or green onions and hot sauce on the side.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Quick and Easy Jambalaya Recipe

• Large deep skillet, pot or Dutch oven.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Large spoon.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Rice – You can make this skillet using any brand of jambalaya seasoned rice that you enjoy. Brands like Zatarain’s and Tony Chachere are readily available and both have great flavor.
• Protein – I usually stick to chicken and smoked andouille sausage for this skillet meal by request. You can use any pork sausage that you enjoy.
• Shrimp – Classic jambalaya would have shrimp or crawfish included. Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking and include those in your version. Keep in mind, if you choose to add seafood, it generally cooks quickly. It’s best to add shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking so, it won’t overcook and become rubbery.
• Spices – Because I’m adding more ingredients than a package of pre-seasoned jambalaya rice calls for, it’s necessary to add additional seasoning to boost the flavor. You can use your favorite brand just taste and adjust the amount to your preference. Feel free to add more paprika for a brighter red and smoky flavor.
• Stand Time – I recommend that you let rice dishes sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This trick allows the rice to steam and absorb any residual liquid. 
• Hot Sauce – If you’re not sure about adding extra hot sauce, you can wait and serve it on the side for those who like more spice.
• Yield – This recipe easily doubles if you need to make a larger batch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Quick Jambalaya in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Skillet Meals to Make

• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo starts with a rich dark roux and ends with your fork.
• Easy Shrimp Creole is another seafood dish that pairs beautifully with white rice to soak up the tomato gravy.
• Crawfish Etouffee is packed with flavor.
• Cajun Dirty Rice is a family pleasing side dish to make.
• Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Turkey and Andouille is a kicked-up way to use leftover holiday turkey.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Cutting Board
• Olive Oil Dispenser
• Kitchen Utensils