Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water first. Never toss frozen shrimp straight into the pot—they'll release too much water and make your jambalaya soggy. And always pat them dry before adding, just like fresh shrimp.

How can I tone down the heat?

Easy fix—just cut back on the Cajun seasoning. Start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2, then taste and adjust. You can also mix your own Cajun blend with less cayenne pepper. If it's still too spicy after cooking, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt cools things right down.

What's the best rice substitute?

Cauliflower rice works surprisingly well! Just reduce the broth to 1 cup since it releases moisture. Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it stays crisp-tender. For grain alternatives, quinoa's great—use the same amount but check for doneness around 20 minutes.

Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya in 30 Minutes

Name: Spicy Chicken Shrimp Jambalaya in 30 Minutes - Irresistible Flavor!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, diced; 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish combining chicken, shrimp, and rice with bold Cajun spices.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, diced
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add shrimp and cooked chicken. Cook for 5 more minutes until shrimp turns pink.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Use pre-cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time.
Add hot sauce for extra heat.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun