The Best Alton Brown Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Flavorful Magic

Jambalaya represents a vibrant culinary adventure that captures the essence of bold southern cooking.

Louisiana’s famous rice-based creation blends rich cultural influences into a single, hearty meal.

Every spoonful tells a story of tradition and flavor complexity.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this colorful dish simmers on stovetops across the region.

Home cooks appreciate how seamlessly different proteins and vegetables combine in this dynamic recipe.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients transform into something greater than their individual parts.

Passionate food lovers understand that authentic jambalaya requires technique and soul: bring your appetite and enthusiasm.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Vessel

Heat of peanut oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2: Season and Brown Sausage

• Season sausage with Cajun spices
• Sauté sausage until golden brown
• Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside

Step 3: Cook Chicken

• Season chicken pieces
• Sauté chicken in peanut oil
• Brown chicken on all sides
• Remove chicken with slotted spoon and set aside

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Garlic
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Celery

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

• Crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Filé powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Red pepper
• Black pepper
• Hot pepper sauce

Step 6: Combine Meats

Return sausage and chicken to the pan

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally

Step 7: Add Liquid and Rice

• Pour in chicken broth
• Add rice

Step 8: Simmer and Finish

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes

Cook until liquid is completely absorbed

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade jambalaya

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Jambalaya

• Freeze Flavor Booster: Preserve leftover jambalaya in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Spice Swap Strategy: Experiment with different hot sauces to customize heat levels without changing core recipe.
• Rice Rescue Technique: Use slightly less liquid if using freshly cooked meats to prevent soggy texture.
• Pan Selection Secret: Cast iron skillet delivers deeper flavor development and perfect crispy bottom layer.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining jambalaya into stuffed peppers or crispy rice cakes for exciting next-day dishes.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air using a vacuum sealer before storing jambalaya in freezer-safe containers. Prevents freezer burn and maintains flavor integrity for up to 4 months, significantly extending traditional storage timeframes.
• Portion Control Method: Divide jambalaya into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. Enables quick reheating, reduces waste, and ensures consistent meal preparation without compromising taste or texture.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer jambalaya to airtight glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Prevents odor absorption, allows easy monitoring of food condition, and provides superior preservation compared to plastic alternatives while maintaining optimal freshness for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Delicious Twists on Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage for a coastal Louisiana-style jambalaya that bursts with oceanic flavors.
• Vegetarian Vibes: Swap meat with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate black beans, corn, and jalapeños while using a blend of chili powder and cumin to give the jambalaya a southwestern kick with added texture and heat.
• Quick Instant Pot Edition: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid slightly and cooking on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, creating a faster one-pot meal with the same rich, traditional flavors.

A Spicy, Hearty Meal: Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

Louisiana’s culinary magic sparkles through Alton Brown’s jambalaya, a soulful symphony of spices, meats, and rice.

Southern hospitality dances on each forkful, weaving Creole traditions into a single pot of pure comfort.

Complex flavors mingle seamlessly, creating a dish that whispers stories of New Orleans kitchens and generations of passionate cooking.

Spicy sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables form a harmonious melody that celebrates regional cuisine.

Bold Cajun seasonings elevate this one-pot wonder beyond simple meal preparation into a genuine cultural experience.

When flavors this rich call, hungry souls cannot resist – sharing becomes inevitable, memories bloom, and conversations ignite around this legendary Louisiana classic.

Snap a photo, tell friends, spread delicious excitement!

Why Alton Brown’s Jambalaya Is the Perfect Southern Comfort Meal

• Spice Up Your Taste Buds: This jambalaya delivers a bold, zesty flavor explosion with Cajun spices that dance across your palate, creating a mouth-watering experience that brings the heart of Louisiana right to your dinner table.
• One-Pot Wonder Magic: Streamline your cooking process with this easy, no-fuss recipe that uses a single Dutch oven, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor through layered cooking techniques that let each ingredient shine.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Combining tender chicken and savory sausage, this dish offers a satisfying meal that fills you up and provides a perfect balance of meat and seasonings, making it ideal for hungry families or casual gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Ready in just over an hour, this jambalaya brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen without requiring hours of complicated preparation, perfect for busy cooks craving something delicious and authentic.

What You Need for Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

• Chicken: Hearty protein that brings rich flavor and substance to the jambalaya.
• Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy depth and traditional Cajun character to the dish.

• Garlic: Provides intense, sharp flavor base for the jambalaya.
• Onion: Builds foundational savory notes with natural sweetness.
• Bell Pepper: Offers fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Celery: Contributes subtle earthy undertones and classic Cajun mirepoix texture.

• Peanut Oil: Neutral cooking oil with high smoke point for sautéing ingredients.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy sauce base for the jambalaya.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture for cooking rice.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, umami undertones.
• Filé Powder: Traditional Creole thickening agent with sassafras flavor.
• Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Hot Pepper Sauce: Delivers layers of spicy heat.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.

Alton Brown Jambalaya Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary spirit to your kitchen, blending spicy sausage, tender chicken, and robust rice in a one-pot wonder. Signature Creole flavors dance together, promising a hearty meal that transports you straight to New Orleans’ lively streets.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (454 grams)
• 10 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds (284 grams)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (16 ounces) can of crushed Italian tomatoes (454 grams)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon file powder
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of peanut oil in a large heavy Dutch oven over medium heat. Generously coat the chicken and sausage with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sizzle the sausage until golden brown and crispy, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
3. In the same pan, cook chicken pieces in an additional 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of peanut oil, rotating to achieve an even, light golden-brown color on all surfaces. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Create a flavor base by sautéing minced garlic, diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and sliced celery until the vegetables become translucent and tender.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and introduce a harmonious blend of seasonings: salt, filé powder, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
6. Reintroduce the reserved sausage and chicken into the aromatic sauce. Gently simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to partially cook.
7. Pour in chicken broth and long-grain rice, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Bring the jambalaya to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.
• Sprinkle spices gradually while stirring to ensure each grain receives equal flavor distribution.
• Keep a close eye on the rice pot, checking liquid levels and preventing burning or mushy textures.
• Store leftover rice in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Experiment with different herb combinations to personalize the dish and discover unique flavor profiles.
• Use a wooden spoon or rice paddle to fluff cooked rice gently, preventing clumping and maintaining a light, airy texture.
• Select high-quality rice grains for the best taste and consistent cooking results.
• Clean cooking tools immediately after use to prevent ingredient residue and maintain kitchen hygiene.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 406 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 899 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg