Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

You’ll love this Easy keto jambalaya recipe if you love spicy and flavorful Cajun cuisine. It is made with shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, and a mix of vegetables and spices, this dish is packed with bold flavors that will transport you to the heart of New Orleans. 

Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish with rice, meat, and vegetables. However, if you’re following a ketogenic diet, you’ll want to avoid traditional jambalaya because it’s high in carbohydrates. But don’t worry. You can still enjoy the flavors of this dish with this keto-friendly version!

Made with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, this keto jambalaya is just as tasty as the original but without all the carbs. If you want a fulfilling and comforting meal, try this keto jambalaya recipe!

Keto Jambalaya Ingredients

For a delicious Easy Keto Jambalaya, you’ll need the following ingredients: one pound of boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes, and one pound of andouille sausage, sliced, to provide the protein base.

For the vegetables, prepare one large onion, one green bell pepper, and three stalks of celery, all diced, along with four cloves of minced garlic for flavor depth. However, the liquid component consists of 1 cup of chicken broth and one can of diced tomatoes. The spices include 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, and optionally cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Instead of traditional rice, use 1 cup of cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly. Finally, have 2 tablespoons of olive oil ready for cooking.

How To Make Keto Jambalaya Recipe?

Here’s a simple and delicious keto jambalaya recipe:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven.

2. Brown the chicken for 5-7 minutes, then set it aside. 

3. Next, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and cook the andouille sausage until it browns for 5-7 minutes. 

4. Remove the sausage and set it aside. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the same skillet, and cook until softened for about 5 minutes. 

5. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes. 

6. Add chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme into the skillet and combine. 

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. 

8. Return the cooked chicken and andouille sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. 

9. Lastly, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked. 

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delectable keto jambalaya!

Variations for Making the Best Keto Jambalaya

1. For optimum flavor, utilize fresh and high-quality ingredients. Look for wild-caught shrimp, organic chicken, andouille sausage, and fresh vegetables.

2. If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.

3. You can use any low-carb vegetables in this recipe, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to replace some of the higher-carb vegetables.

4. Use homemade chicken broth or a low-sodium store-bought version to control the salt content of the dish.

5. You can use pre-cooked chicken and andouille sausage instead of cooking them from scratch to save time.

Nutrition Information

This keto jambalaya recipe makes eight servings. Each serving contains:

• 395 calories
• 7g carbs
• 24g fat
• 2g fibre
• 4g sugar
• 34g protein

5 from 1 vote

Easy Keto Jambalaya

Servings 5

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts diced
• 1/2 lb andouille sausage sliced
• 1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Dice chicken, slice sausage, and prepare shrimp. Chop vegetables and have spices on hand.
• In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Brown chicken and sausage pieces until slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté until they begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  
• Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add drained tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well, ensuring everything is well mixed.
• Stir in the cauliflower rice, ensuring it’s well mixed with the meat and vegetables. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cauliflower rice is tender.
• Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes.
• Once everything is cooked through, check seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.
  

Author: Maryam Begi

Calories: 386kcal

FAQs

How Many Carbs Are in Keto Jambalaya?

The keto jambalaya recipe from “Wholesome Yum” which utilizes cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute has 9.9 grams of net carbs per serving. The serving size mentioned is a slightly heaped 1 1/2 cups, which is ideal for a dinner-sized portion.

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

You can use any meat you prefer, such as shrimp or beef.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe. Just thaw it out and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the pan.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs if you prefer. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need to use more fresh herbs to achieve the same flavor.

Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?

Add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or a different hot sauce if you like spicy food. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the mixture.

Can I store leftovers of this keto jambalaya?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Is jambalaya a keto-friendly dish?

Due to rice and sugary sauces, traditional jambalaya recipes can be high in carbs and sugar. However, this keto jambalaya recipe is low in carbs and sugar, making it an excellent option for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Can I make this recipe without shrimp? 

You can omit the shrimp or replace it with another type of seafood, such as scallops or crab. You can add more chicken and sausage to the recipe to compensate for the missing protein.

Is andouille sausage keto-friendly? 

Andouille sausage is generally considered keto-friendly, as it is low in carbs, protein, and fat. However, read the label and choose a brand that doesn’t contain added sugars or fillers.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? 

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by cooking the chicken, sausage, and vegetables first, then adding them to the slow cooker with the tomatoes, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What are some other low-carb Cajun dishes I can try? 

If you enjoy the flavors of Cajun cuisine, there are plenty of other low-carb dishes you can try, such as gumbo, etouffee, and blackened fish. Just use low-carb ingredients and adjust the spices to your liking.