
JAMBALAYA SKILLET
Big Louisiana Flavor in One Easy Pan
When you’re craving the bold, smoky flavors of Louisiana jambalaya but don’t want to babysit a pot for an hour, skillet jambalaya is the answer. These recipes deliver classic Creole flavor using one pan, minimal cleanup, and weeknight-friendly cooking times—without sacrificing authenticity.
Below you’ll find three skillet-style jambalaya recipes, each with its own personality, plus expert tips to make them foolproof every time.
Why Make Jambalaya in a Skillet?
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One-pan cooking = less cleanup
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Faster than traditional stovetop jambalaya
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Perfect for weeknights and small kitchens
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Easy to customize protein and spice level
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
Classic Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Skillet
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
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1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp thyme
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¼–½ tsp cayenne (to taste)
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Salt and black pepper
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Green onions for garnish
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
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Brown sausage until crisp; remove and set aside.
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Sear chicken in the same skillet until lightly browned.
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Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened.
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Stir in garlic and spices.
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Add rice, broth, tomatoes, sausage, and chicken.
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Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 18–20 minutes.
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Rest 5 minutes, fluff, garnish, and serve.
Shrimp Jambalaya Skillet (Fast & Flavorful)
Ingredients
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
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10 oz smoked sausage, sliced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic
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1 cup cooked rice (day-old works best)
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½ cup chicken or seafood broth
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Lemon wedges & parsley
Instructions
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Sauté sausage in skillet until browned. Remove.
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Add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender.
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Add garlic and spices.
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Stir in cooked rice and broth.
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Add shrimp and sausage back in.
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Cook 4–6 minutes until shrimp are pink.
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Finish with lemon and parsley.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Jambalaya Skillet
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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12 oz smoked sausage
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs
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1 onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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12 oz cauliflower rice
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Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Brown sausage and chicken in skillet.
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Add vegetables and cook until soft.
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Stir in spices.
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Add cauliflower rice and cook 5–7 minutes.
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Serve hot with green onions.
Skillet Jambalaya Tips for Perfect Results
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Use a deep, heavy skillet with a lid
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Toast rice briefly before adding liquid
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Don’t over-stir once simmering
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Adjust broth if your skillet runs hot
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Add shrimp last to prevent overcooking
Creole vs Cajun Skillet Jambalaya
| Style | Tomatoes | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Creole | Yes | Slightly saucy, herby |
| Cajun | No | Smoky, bold, rustic |
Both styles work beautifully in skillet recipes.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight container
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Freezer: Up to 2 months
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Reheat: Skillet with splash of broth or microwave covered
Final Thoughts
Jambalaya skillet recipes bring the heart of Louisiana cooking into a fast, approachable format. Whether you prefer classic chicken and sausage, quick shrimp, or a low-carb version, these one-pan meals deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp. lite Creole seasoning, divided
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz.) low sodium tomato sauce
- 1/2 lb. cleaned medium shrimp
- 2 cups MINUTE® Brown Rice, uncooked
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onions and celery; cook and stir until crisp-tender.
Toss chicken with 1 tbsp. of the seasoning. Add to skillet. Cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until cooked through.
Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, shrimp and remaining 1 tbsp. seasoning; mix well. Bring to boil. Stir in rice; cover. Simmer 5 minutes Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.
Makes 6 servings.
Cook's Note: Omit 1 tbsp. of the Creole seasoning. Substitute 1 pkg. (6 oz. each) Grilled Chicken Breast Strips for cooked fresh chicken strips. Cook and stir celery, onion, green pepper and chicken breast strips in hot oil until vegetables are tender. Continue as directed.






