Spicy Alton Brown Jambalaya Recipe Bursting with Creole Heat

Sizzling jambalaya erupts with explosive flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary carnival.

This Louisiana treasure melds spicy sausage, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp into one spectacular rice-based symphony.

Generations of southern cooks have perfected this mesmerizing dish, blending cultural influences with remarkable precision.

Aromatic spices whisper stories of heritage and tradition in every single bite.

Each forkful delivers a robust punch of complex tastes that tantalize and surprise.

Regional ingredients unite harmoniously, creating a meal that transcends ordinary dinner expectations.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming feast that promises to ignite your taste buds and warm your heart.

Serving Alton Brown’s Jambalaya Right

• Feast Like a Louisiana Local: Serving Suggestions
• Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor that complements the rich, spicy jambalaya.
• Create a Cool Companion: Pair with a crisp side salad or cool coleslaw to balance the dish's intense heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Serve alongside warm French bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting touch to your southern-style feast.
• Wine and Dine: Match with a chilled white wine like Riesling or a light beer to cut through the spiciness and enhance the complex flavors of this classic Creole dish.

Best Storage Practices for Jambalaya

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook extra jambalaya and divide into single-serving containers for quick weekday lunches.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover jambalaya in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors intact and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Package cooled jambalaya in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen jambalaya maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated or frozen jambalaya in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

• Andouille Sausage: Select a spicy, smoky variety that adds robust flavor and authentic Cajun character.
• Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on pieces for deeper taste and more succulent meat.

• Garlic, Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Opt for fresh, firm produce with vibrant colors and no soft spots for maximum flavor depth.

• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium version to control salt levels and enhance natural ingredient flavors.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Look for ripe, rich tomatoes without added preservatives for authentic taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Pick a classic brand with complex tangy undertones.
• Filé Powder: Source from specialty stores, ensuring authentic Louisiana-style ingredient.
• Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Hot Pepper Sauce: Choose freshly ground or high-quality brands for intense, layered spiciness.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for cleaner, more balanced seasoning.

• Rice: Select long-grain white rice for traditional jambalaya texture and absorption.

• Peanut Oil: Choose refined oil for high-heat cooking and neutral background flavor.

Tools Needed for Cooking Jambalaya

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for even heat distribution and deep cooking.
• Slotted spoon: Handy tool for lifting and draining meats without excess oil.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Measuring cups: Accurate tools for measuring rice and broth.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching cookware.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding spices and seasonings.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

• Fire Up the Cooking Pot

Warm peanut oil in a spacious Dutch oven, creating a sizzling base for your flavor-packed meal.

• Dance with Sausage and Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun magic on sausage and chicken, browning them to golden perfection in the hot oil. Lift out the meat, setting it aside for the grand reunion later.

• Awaken the Veggie Symphony

Toss garlic, onions, bell peppers, and celery into the pot, letting them mingle and soften, releasing their aromatic charm.

• Splash in the Sauce Magic

Introduce a vibrant mix of crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of hot pepper sauce. Shake in salt, filé powder, and a whisper of red and black pepper for a flavor explosion.

• Reunite the Meaty Stars

Welcome back the sausage and chicken, letting them swim in the rich sauce for about 10 minutes, creating a delicious harmony.

• Rice and Shine

Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle rice into the bubbling mixture. Let everything simmer and dance together, absorbing every drop of flavor.

• Final Flourish

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then let it simmer until the rice drinks up all the liquid and becomes tender. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips to Elevate Alton Brown’s Jambalaya

Jambalaya Genius Tips

Adjust hot pepper sauce and red pepper to match your heat tolerance, from mild whispers to fiery explosions.

Swap chicken or sausage with shrimp, crawfish, or andouille sausage for exciting flavor twists.

Rinse rice before cooking to prevent clumping and achieve perfect, fluffy grains that soak up delicious seasonings.

Store jambalaya in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing the flavors will deepen and become even more delectable with time.

Authentic Alton Brown Jambalaya Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Alton Brown’s jambalaya showcases Louisiana’s culinary heritage with bold, spicy flavors and rich ingredients. Hearty rice, andouille sausage, and tender chicken create a memorable meal you’ll savor until the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 oz (284 g) andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 ¼ cups white rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (16 oz/454 g) can crushed Italian tomatoes
• 2 tbsps peanut oil, divided
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp file powder
• 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp hot pepper sauce

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Searing: Generously coat chicken and sausage with Cajun seasoning. Heat peanut oil in a Dutch oven and sear sausage until golden and crispy, then set aside. Repeat process with chicken pieces, achieving a light golden-brown exterior.
2. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, onions, bell peppers, and celery until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence. Introduce crushed tomatoes and a complex blend of seasonings including salt, filé powder, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
3. Flavor Melding: Return sausage and chicken to the vibrant sauce, allowing ingredients to gently simmer for 10 minutes. This process helps develop a rich, layered flavor profile and partially cooks the proteins.
4. Rice Integration: Pour in chicken broth and long-grain rice, stirring to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Bring the jambalaya to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat and cover.
5. Final Cooking: Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice completely absorbs the liquid and reaches a tender, fluffy consistency. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully integrate.

Notes

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Create a golden-brown crust on sausage and chicken to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Vegetable Timing Matters: Sauté vegetables until translucent to release natural sugars and create a robust aromatic base without burning or overcooking.
• Seasoning Balance is Key: Layer Cajun seasoning, spices, and herbs gradually to build complex, harmonious flavors that define authentic jambalaya.
• Rice Absorption Technique: Allow rice to simmer covered, absorbing all liquid completely for perfectly tender grains and integrated ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg