If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the South straight to your table, this Easy Jambalaya with Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine the smoky richness of bacon paired with spicy andouille sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp all mingling with fragrant spices, sweet peppers, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a meal that bursts with color, heartiness, and a little bit of that Cajun soul in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this jambalaya recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about a handful of simple, carefully selected ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in making this jambalaya both authentic and irresistibly delicious.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing and making sure everything cooks evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Bacon (smoked): Adds deep smoky notes and crispy texture to complement the tender proteins.
- Andouille or smoked sausage: Brings spicy, robust flavor that’s essential for classic jambalaya.
- Chicken thigh, skinless and boneless: Juicy and tender, these pieces soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- Raw large shrimp/prawns: Adds a delicate seafood touch that balances the rich meats.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and depth.
- Butter: Enhances creaminess and helps soften the aromatic vegetables.
- Onion, large: The base of many great dishes, it adds sweetness and texture.
- Celery ribs: Lends a subtle crunch and savory undertones.
- Green capsicum (bell pepper): Offers color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- Long grain rice, uncooked: Absorbs all the savory juices without getting mushy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Grounds the dish with savory liquid that helps cook the rice perfectly.
- Crushed canned tomato: Provides acidity and richness, balancing the spices.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that intensifies the sauce.
- Green onions, sliced: Freshness and color boost, stirred in and sprinkled on top.
- Fresh thyme (or dried): Herbal notes that underscore the Cajun flavors.
- Sweet paprika: Mild smoky warmth that’s essential for authentic taste.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Adds a deeper dimension of flavor to the seasoning.
- Cayenne powder: Just the right kick of heat to make it lively.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasoning to bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make Easy Jambalaya with Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is important because the final baking step ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors and the ingredients marry perfectly.
Step 2: Sizzle the Bacon and Sausage
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the smoked bacon and cook just long enough for the fat to begin melting—about 30 seconds. Then add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s beautifully golden, around 3 minutes. Remove this mix to a bowl, keeping the flavorful fat behind in the pan.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sear them until golden on the outside. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking later. Once browned, nestle them in with your bacon and sausage mixture.
Step 4: Give the Shrimp a Quick Sear
In the same pan, sear the shrimp for about 1.5 minutes per side until just pink and fragrant. This quick sear injects flavor and keeps the shrimp tender instead of rubbery. Set the shrimp aside for now in a separate bowl.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
Time to build the base flavor! Add butter to the pan, then stir in minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, and green capsicum. Let these soften gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, releasing their sweet, aromatic goodness that forms the heart of the dish.
Step 6: Toast the Rice
Sprinkle the uncooked long grain rice into the pan and stir it well, making sure every grain is coated in that savory mixture of oil and butter. This step helps achieve that perfect texture later.
Step 7: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in tomato paste, crushed canned tomato, fresh thyme, and the seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. This bubbling mix is where the signature jambalaya flavor really shines.
Step 8: Return the Meats to the Pan
Carefully fold in the bacon, sausage, and chicken along with any juices that collected in the bowl. This ensures every bite is packed with the smoky and savory goodness of the meats.
Step 9: Bake the Jambalaya
Once the mixture begins to bubble evenly across the surface, give it a gentle stir and ensure all rice is submerged. Cover the pan with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes before checking the rice’s texture. If it’s not quite tender, keep baking while checking every 5 minutes; most ovens take about 30 minutes total for perfectly cooked rice.
Step 10: Add Shrimp and Green Onions
When the rice is just about done, gently fold in the shrimp and sliced green onions. Cover and return the pan to the oven for a quick 3-minute heat through to keep the shrimp tender and fresh.
Step 11: Finish and Fluff
Remove the jambalaya from the oven, give it a gentle stir to fluff the rice, and get ready to serve. The colors will be vibrant, the aromas irresistible, and the flavors beautifully balanced.
How to Serve Easy Jambalaya with Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a mild oniony crunch that livens up each bite. For extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a handful of chopped parsley works wonders, brightening the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Jambalaya pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or classic cornbread to soak up those delicious juices. If you want to keep things traditional, serve with pickled okra or crispy fried green tomatoes for a Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the jambalaya in hollowed-out bell peppers or even small cast iron skillets for individual portions. If you’re hosting a party, set up a jambalaya bar with toppings like chopped parsley, hot sauce, lemon wedges, or even a dollop of sour cream to customize each plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Jambalaya with Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing and freezing so the texture stays just right.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice if it seems dry. Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional and packed with smoky spice, you can swap in any smoked sausage or even chorizo for a unique twist. Just keep the flavor profile bold to stay true to jambalaya’s roots.
Is it necessary to use both bacon and sausage?
Using both bacon and sausage adds depth and variety in flavor but you can simplify by using just one if needed. Bacon offers smokiness and crisp texture, while sausage brings spice and heartiness—together they balance beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon, sausage, chicken, and shrimp, and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and kidney beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful.
What type of rice works best in this jambalaya?
Long grain rice is ideal because it stays fluffy rather than sticky when cooked with the broth. Avoid quick-cooking rice varieties as they might become mushy during the baking step.
How spicy is this jambalaya?
The level of heat is moderate and can be adjusted by how much cayenne powder you add. Feel free to reduce it for a milder dish or boost it for extra kick—you can always add hot sauce at the table too!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about making a homemade jambalaya that fills your kitchen with warmth and color, and this Easy Jambalaya with Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp Recipe captures all of those wonderful moments. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a taste of the South any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
