Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings a taste of Louisiana right into your kitchen. With its bold combination of flavors and textures, this one-pot meal features tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage, all mingling harmoniously with colorful vegetables and flavorful rice. The rich Warmth of spices and the aromatic garlic create a truly inviting experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

I vividly remember the first time I dived into making this dish. I was swept away by the enticing aroma wafting from the pot and instantly knew it would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. The sheer satisfaction of serving a steaming pot of Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya garnished with fresh green onions made my heart swell with joy. Not only does this recipe offer a delightful explosion of flavors, but it also allows for an engaging cooking experience that brings everyone to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and about 50 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor: The mix of spices, sausage, and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful medley of ingredients will make your dish look as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests!
- Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion, from an easy weeknight dinner to a fun weekend feast.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can adjust ingredients easily for a variety of dietary needs, making it a versatile choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: This adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. You can use olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking—can be substituted with canola oil.
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cubed: Provides a solid protein base. Feel free to use thighs for extra juiciness or swap for tofu for a vegetarian version.
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced: This distinct smoked sausage gives Jambalaya its signature flavor, but any smoked sausage will do.
- 2 ribs celery, chopped: Adds crunch and depth—substitute with fennel if you’re looking for a different twist.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: The aromatic base of the dish. You can replace it with shallots in a pinch.
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped: Brings color and sweetness; red or yellow bell peppers are great alternatives, adding additional flavor notes.
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced or pressed: This savory staple enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste!
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy backbone to the dish; swap for fresh tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
- 3 cups chicken stock (24 ounces): Enhances flavor throughout. Vegetable stock works well for vegetarian options.
- 3 tablespoons creole seasoning: A key spice blend that includes paprika, cayenne, and herbs—feel free to make your own blend for a personal touch!
- 2 bay leaves: Adds an aromatic layer to the cooking liquid. Remember to remove them before serving.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adjust according to your heat preference; you can skip this or use a milder sauce for less heat.
- 2 ½ cups long grain rice: Essential for absorbing the flavors; substitute with jasmine or basmati for a different texture.
- 1 (16-ounce) bag medium shrimp, deveined and shelled: Juicy and tender, enhancing the dish with a touch of seafood. You can substitute with chicken or omit for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup frozen okra: This provides a nice texture and flavor; feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan or use green beans.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Essential to balance flavors; remember to salt to your preference, especially since sausages are often salty.
- 2-3 green onions, chopped: Used for garnish and a fresh bite at the end—regular onions could work in a pinch, but the flavor will differ.

How to Make Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya
Brown the Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and sliced andouille sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are lightly browned and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the chopped celery, onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The kitchen should be smelling wonderful by now!
Add the Liquids and Rice: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, creole seasoning, bay leaves, and hot sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Next, mix in the long-grain rice and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Finish It Off with Fast-Cooking Shrimp and Okra: Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pan, then add the shrimp and okra. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque and everything is heated through. Season with kosher salt according to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep safely in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Note that the rice may absorb some of the moisture and become denser, so adding a splash of chicken stock while reheating can help refresh the dish.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the initial browning of the chicken and sausage; this step is essential for developing deep flavors.
- If you want a more robust flavor, consider letting the Jambalaya rest for 10 minutes after cooking—this will enrich the flavors.
- Adjust the amount of creole seasoning for your taste buds; it’s often easier to start with less and add more if you want.
- If you find your rice cooking unevenly, give it a quick stir after adding it to the pot before letting it simmer.
- Feel free to experiment with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
The blend of spices, textures, and satisfaction that comes with this Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya makes it memorable. Don’t hesitate to switch things up, whether it’s ingredients or spice level, to create a version that’s uniquely yours!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?
Can I make Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya in advance?
How do I make this dish spicier?
What’s the best way to serve Jambalaya?
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Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and hearty sausage for a satisfying dinner. With simple prep and a blend of spices, it’s an easy and filling dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced or pressed
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken stock, (24 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons creole seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 ½ cups long grain rice
- 1 16-ounce bag medium shrimp, deveined and shelled
- 1 cup frozen okra
- kosher salt, to taste
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and sliced sausage, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, creole seasoning, bay leaves, and hot sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the long grain rice and cook for about 15 minutes, until the rice is nearly tender.
- Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pan, adding the shrimp and okra. Cook until heated through and shrimp are opaque. Season with kosher salt and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a spicier jambalaya, increase the amount of hot sauce to taste.
Feel free to substitute different vegetables or add more spices as desired.
You can use frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available; just thaw before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg




