Last Updated on September 21, 2023
Justin Wilson is a renowned Louisiana chef and entertainer who has been delighting audiences with his delicious Cajun-style cooking since the 1950s.
From classic dishes like gumbo to jambalaya, he is known for creating flavorful Southern comfort food bursting with rich flavor. His jambalaya, in particular, is legendary and can be made with chicken or shrimp.
With just the right ingredients, Justin Wilson’s jambalaya will have your taste buds dancing! Perfect for any occasion – from a family dinner to a potluck gathering – this dish is sure to please.
In this article, we’ll be sharing step-by-step instructions for making Justin Wilson’s classic jambalaya. Let’s get cooking!
What is Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya?
Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish made with smoked sausage, chicken, and long-grain rice. It’s packed with flavor from the smoked sausage as well as garlic, onion, and bell pepper.
This savory combination is then simmered in a flavorful chicken stock until the rice is cooked through. What makes this jambalaya recipe particularly special is that it has been handed down from Justin Wilson himself.
Using his tried and true techniques, you can have restaurant-quality Cajun jambalaya right at home without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Serve it with a side of your favorite green vegetables to round out the meal!
What does it taste like?
Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya is a delightfully flavorful dish with an inviting aroma of garlic and smoky sausage. The long-grain rice soaks up all the delicious flavors while the chicken and sausage add protein to make it heartier.
The combination of smoked sausage, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and parsley adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice while the cayenne pepper helps to give the dish a kick. With all these flavorful ingredients combined, Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya is sure to be an instant hit!
How did I first get introduced to Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya?
I was first introduced to the legendary Justin Wilson and his jambalaya recipe when I started watching his show on PBS. I had never heard of Cajun-style cooking before, but after watching a few episodes I was instantly hooked.
Justin Wilson’s recipes are simple yet incredibly flavorful, so it wasn’t long before I decided to try making his jambalaya recipe at home. I found the recipe online and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make. All I needed were a few simple ingredients and Justin Wilson’s technique, and I had delicious jambalaya in no time!
I was amazed by the depth of flavor created with just a few ingredients. The smoked sausage provided an irresistible smokiness, and the vegetables gave it a nice crunchy texture. Everything came together perfectly to create a delicious meal that everyone enjoyed.
Since then, I have served Justin Wilson’s jambalaya numerous times for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. Everyone always loves it and I’m sure you will too! Give it a try and see for yourself why Justin Wilson’s jambalaya is legendary!
How to make Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya?
Making Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. All you need are a few ingredients. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish:
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Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: This smoked sausage gives the dish its smoky flavor.
- Green onions: Green onions add sweetness and freshness to a dish.
- Canola oil: Canola oil helps to give the dish a smooth texture.
- Green bell pepper: The green bell peppers add a crunchy, juicy texture to the jambalaya.
- Onion: Onions are great for adding depth of flavor to the jambalaya.
- Chicken stock: The chicken stock provides a savory, flavorful base for the jambalaya.
- Long-grain rice: Long-grain rice is used in many traditional Southern dishes and gives the jambalaya its classic texture.
- Boneless chicken thighs/breast: Boneless chicken thighs and breasts add protein to the dish and help give it a heartier texture.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a delicious flavor to the jambalaya.
- Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Ground cayenne pepper helps to give the jambalaya its traditional Louisiana flavor.
- Kosher salt: Kosher salt enhances all of the flavors in the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Saute the ingredients
- Start by heating the canola oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add in the sausage, green onions, bell pepper, and onion, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 2
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot
- Add chicken stock, long-grain rice, chicken thighs and breasts, garlic, parsley, cayenne pepper and salt to the pot.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover.
Step 3
Simmer until the jambalaya is done
- Simmer for 25 minutes or until rice is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- To make it heartier, you can add more protein such as shrimp, ham, or andouille sausage.
- If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water.
- For a flavorful garnish, serve with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds smoked sausage
- 1 cup green onions
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 medium onions
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups long-grain rice
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs. boneless chicken breast
- 6 tsp garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Begin the jambalaya-making process by heating canola oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your sausage, green onions, bell pepper, and onion. Sautee for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot including chicken stock, long-grain rice, chicken thighs and breasts, garlic, parsley, cayenne pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- To make it heartier, you can add more protein such as shrimp, ham, or andouille sausage.
- If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water.
- For a flavorful garnish, serve with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya?
Here are some delicious side dishes that go well with Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya:
- Cornbread: Enjoy a slice of fluffy, sweet cornbread with your jambalaya.
- Coleslaw: Take a break from the spicy flavors with a crunchy coleslaw salad.
- Green beans: Add more veggies to your meal with a simple side of green beans.
- Macaroni and cheese: Comfort food fans will appreciate a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese dish.
- Baked potatoes: Enjoy a classic baked potato to round out your meal.
- Grits: Add some Southern flair with a bowl of buttery, cheesy grits.
How to store leftover Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya?
Leftover jambalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat and cover until heated through.
You can also freeze leftover jambalaya for up to 3 months if you want to save it for later. When ready to eat, thaw it completely and reheat it in a pot on the stove.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya as long as the ingredients are cooked properly. As with any dish, it is important to make sure all of the ingredients are cooked through and there is no sign of pink in the chicken or sausage.
It is also important to note that some of the ingredients used in jambalaya, such as smoked sausage and cayenne pepper, may contain nitrates or other additives that are not recommended for pregnant women.
FAQs
Is Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya a healthy dish?
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish as long as the ingredients are cooked properly. It is low in calories and high in protein and fiber.
Can I make this jambalaya vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage for mushrooms and the chicken for chickpeas or tempeh to make it vegan.
Can I substitute the chicken stock for something else?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth or water.
Is Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya spicy?
It depends on how much cayenne pepper and other hot sauces you add to it. If you want a spicier version, simply add more hot sauce.
Wrapping Up
Justin Wilson’s jambalaya is a delicious, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed all year round! With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this legendary jambalaya recipe truly lives up to its name.
Give it a try and see for yourself why it has become such an iconic dish! Make sure to pair it with some of your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. Enjoy! I hope you enjoyed learning how to make Justin Wilson’s Jambalaya.
It is truly a delicious dish that can be enjoyed all year round. Please share this article with your friends and family so they can learn how to make this classic dish, too. Thank you for reading.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
