Nothing brings people together like a hearty pot of homemade jambalaya simmering in a Dutch oven. This Dutch Oven Jambalaya Recipe delivers classic Cajun flavor with smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp—all cooked in one pot for maximum ease and comfort. Whether you're cooking indoors, outdoors, or at a campsite, this recipe offers rich flavor, fluffy rice, and a crowd-pleasing aroma that fills the kitchen. If you love rustic, soul-warming meals packed with spice and personality, this jambalaya is made for you.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 large Dutch oven of jambalaya
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for Creole-style jambalaya)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Optional: sliced green onions + fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: a few dashes hot sauce
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Meats
Heat the oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add the chicken pieces and sear until no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Tip: Browning the meats creates flavorful fond (brown bits) at the bottom of the pot—don’t scrape it away. It will deepen the overall flavor of your jambalaya.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Cook until softened, 5–7 minutes. If the bottom of the pot begins to brown too deeply, add a splash of broth to deglaze.
Step 3: Season Generously
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the spices to toast for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Base
Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), rice, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently—steam is your friend.
Warning: Stirring the rice too much during cooking can cause it to become mushy. Keep the lid on and resist the urge to peek!
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shrimp. Cover again and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the bay leaves.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the jambalaya sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the rice finish steaming for a fluffier texture. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or hot sauce as desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
Pro-Tip:
A high-quality Dutch oven makes all the difference when cooking jambalaya—its even heat distribution, heavy lid, and sturdy construction help your rice cook perfectly while locking in rich Cajun flavor. If you’ve been cooking with a basic pot or an older Dutch oven, upgrading to a better one can truly elevate this recipe and every one-pot meal you make. Whether you’re preparing jambalaya for a weeknight dinner or simmering over campfire coals, the right Dutch oven becomes a lifelong kitchen essential. Click the button below to browse top-rated Dutch ovens on Amazon and find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Conclusion
This Dutch Oven Jambalaya Recipe brings together the robust flavors of Cajun cuisine in a simple, approachable, and incredibly satisfying one-pot dish. Whether you're cooking for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering, this recipe is as comforting as it is impressive. With layers of smoky sausage, seasoned chicken, and tender shrimp, each bite delivers warmth and depth. Enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite proteins and spices. However you serve it, this jambalaya is sure to become a go-to favorite in your Dutch oven collection.
