🎭 Classic Mardi Gras Jambalaya Recipe
Jambalaya is one of the most iconic dishes of Louisiana cuisine and a true Mardi Gras favorite. This bold, hearty one-pan meal is packed with spicy andouille sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice simmered in a rich tomato-based broth.
It’s warm, comforting, full of Cajun flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during your Mardi Gras celebration!
💜 Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya
- A classic New Orleans-inspired Mardi Gras dish
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup
- Packed with bold Cajun flavors
- Perfect for parties, meal prep, or cozy dinners
- Customizable with your favorite proteins and spice level
🛒 Ingredients
For the Jambalaya
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3.5 – 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Measuring cups / spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Garlic press
- Large pot (with lid) or deep skillet (with lid)
- Spoon
👩🍳 How to Make Jambalaya
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Stir in the sliced sausage and cook for another 2–3 minutes until flavorful and golden.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Rice and Seasonings
Add the uncooked rice and stir well so it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Mix in:
- paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- thyme
- oregano
- salt and pepper
Step 4: Simmer the Jambalaya
Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Stir in the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Cover again until shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork.
Top with green onions and fresh parsley for the perfect Mardi Gras finish!
Serve hot and enjoy the taste of New Orleans at home.
Serve with Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits (see recipe bellow).
🌶 Tips for the Best Jambalaya
- Use long-grain rice so it stays fluffy
- Andouille sausage adds the most authentic Cajun flavor
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper
🥡 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
- Jambalaya freezes well for up to 2 months
- Perfect for meal prep or Mardi Gras party planning
ENJOY!
If you try this Classic Mardi Gras Jambalaya, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to save this recipe to your Mardi Gras Pinterest board so you can make it again for your next celebration.
Happy Mardi Gras cooking! 🎭💜💚💛
Please see more amazing recipes:
Leave a Reply