Bubba’s Jambalaya is the kind of no-nonsense Southern dish that feeds a crowd and disappears fast. Loaded with smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and deeply seasoned rice, this recipe delivers classic Cajun flavor with simple, honest ingredients. It’s hearty, bold, and best served straight from the pot.
Why Everyone Loves Bubba’s Jambalaya
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Feeds a crowd with ease
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One-pot comfort food
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Smoky, spicy, deeply satisfying flavor
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Great for gatherings, tailgates, and family dinners
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Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
Proteins
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1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
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12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
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1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables (The Holy Trinity)
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1 large onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
Rice & Liquid
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2 cups long-grain white rice
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional – Creole-leaning)
Seasonings
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1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp dried oregano
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¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Fat & Garnish
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage until well caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add chicken to the same pot and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Cook the Trinity
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Step 4: Season the Base
Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Rice & Liquid
Stir in rice, then add broth and tomatoes (if using). Return chicken and sausage to the pot and mix well.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Add Shrimp
Nestle shrimp into the rice. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Remove bay leaves. Let rest 5 minutes. Fluff gently and garnish before serving.
Bubba’s Jambalaya Tips
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Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
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Brown the meat well—this builds Cajun flavor
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Don’t stir while rice cooks
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Add shrimp at the end only
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Resting time improves texture
Cajun vs Creole Bubba-Style
| Style | Tomatoes | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cajun | No | Smoky, rustic |
| Creole | Yes | Rich, slightly saucy |
Both styles work—Bubba won’t judge.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
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Freezer: Up to 3 months
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Reheat: Stovetop with a splash of broth
Final Thoughts
Bubba’s Jambalaya Recipe is classic Louisiana comfort food—bold, hearty, and meant to be shared. Whether you’re feeding family or a hungry crowd, this dish delivers big flavor every single time.






