If you’re craving a bold, hearty, and flavor-packed one-pot meal, Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya might just become your next go-to comfort dish. With its roots deep in Louisiana Creole cuisine, this vibrant dish brings together the smoky heat of spices, tender bites of chicken, juicy shrimp, and a medley of vegetables simmered with rice to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms your belly and lights up your taste buds with every bite.

What makes jambalaya special is the balance of flavors. The smoky spice blends beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp and the richness of chicken thighs, all tied together with a comforting base of seasoned rice. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking to meal prep something flavorful for the week, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya

This recipe brings a little kick without being overwhelming, letting the ingredients shine through their natural textures and flavors. The ease of making everything in one pot means cleanup is minimal, and you get maximum flavor infusion. Each ingredient is layered in thoughtfully to create complexity in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize—add sausage, adjust the heat level, or toss in more vegetables.

Jambalaya is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply spicing up your weekday dinner rotation. It’s satisfying, colorful, and incredibly aromatic as it cooks, which will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy Southern kitchen in no time.

What Kind of Shrimp and Chicken Should I Use?

For best results, opt for medium to large raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating. Frozen shrimp work well too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the pot.

When it comes to the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. However, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. The key is to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly, soaking up all the delicious spices along the way.

Ingredients for the Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya

This dish is all about layering flavor and bringing some heat to the table. The ingredients used play an essential role in creating the iconic taste jambalaya is known for. Each one has a purpose—from the base aromatics to the protein choices and seasonings that give the dish its Southern charm.

Chicken thighs
Shrimp
Andouille sausage
Onion
Bell pepper
Celery
Garlic
Cajun seasoning
Smoked paprika
Crushed tomatoes
Chicken broth
Long-grain rice
Bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Green onions
Olive oil

Each ingredient builds the foundation of the dish. Chicken thighs bring richness and tenderness, while shrimp adds a sweet contrast. Andouille sausage gives it that signature smoky, spicy edge. Bell peppers, celery, and onion form the classic Cajun “holy trinity” base, essential to developing flavor. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika offer a spicy depth. Crushed tomatoes balance with acidity, while chicken broth keeps the rice fluffy and flavorful. Fresh green onions finish the dish with brightness.

How To Make the Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook sliced andouille sausage until crispy around the edges. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add a bit more olive oil if needed. Stir in the diced onions, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix everything together.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Add the long-grain rice and bay leaves, followed by chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the shrimp. Cover and let cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot straight from the pot.

How to Serve and Store This Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya

This jambalaya is a complete meal in itself, rich with protein, vegetables, and hearty rice. It’s ideal for serving at family dinners, gatherings, or a weekend cook-up. A generous pot will feed about 6 to 8 people, depending on serving size.

Serve it straight from the pot while it’s piping hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright finish, especially against the rich, spicy backdrop of the dish. You can even offer a drizzle of hot sauce for those who want an extra punch.

To store leftovers, let the jambalaya cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya?

Cornbread

A sweet slice of moist cornbread perfectly balances the spice and adds a comforting side texture.

Classic Caprese Salad

A chilled tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad brings a fresh contrast to the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Try this version

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

If you want to elevate the seafood element, serve a small portion of this jambalaya alongside something buttery and flaky like this salmon dish.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

A simple, oven-roasted side that offers earthy notes and a touch of sweetness. Here’s an easy version.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

Great as a snacky side dish or appetizer. They’re cheesy, crispy, and totally addictive. Grab the recipe here.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This one is indulgent and could pair well at a bigger gathering. Offer this creamy pasta on the side for contrast. Get the recipe here.

Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus

For a lighter side, keep it simple with lightly seasoned, crisp-tender greens.

Crusty Bread

Thick slices of warm, crusty bread are great for scooping up every last spoonful of jambalaya from the bowl.

Want More Cajun-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If this Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya has your tastebuds tingling, you’ll definitely want to dive into more hearty, Southern-style meals. These favorites from Janet Dishes bring bold flavors and comforting ingredients straight to your table:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a spicy, creamy twist on pasta night.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque if you’re into rich, luxurious soups.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you want a comforting pasta dish with big flavor.
Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for a lighter seafood option that still brings the richness.
No Peek Chicken Casserole when you need an easy, crowd-pleasing bake.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your jambalaya turned out. Did you go all-in on the spice? Add extra shrimp or sausage? Maybe snuck in some okra?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your tips, tweaks, and triumphs in the comments so we can all keep improving our kitchen game.

Explore more weeknight-friendly comfort food and health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorites.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya is one of those dishes that turns dinner into an experience. It’s bold, rustic, and feels like a warm hug from the South in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of spice, seafood, or just crave something deeply satisfying, this dish hits all the right notes. One pot, tons of flavor, and easy to make your own—what’s not to love?