Gluten Free Jambalaya

This gluten free jambalaya is easy one-pot recipe. It is slightly spicy and made with simple, affordable ingredients like rice, peppers, onions, cajun seasoning and protein of choice! I used andouille sausage and chicken to make it simple!

My Gluten Free Jambalaya is sure to be a family favorite! If you are looking for an easy beginner jambalaya recipe that is made in only one pot, this recipe is for you!

I love an easy weeknight recipe made with peppers! If you do too, you’ll love my chicken tandoori pizza and my gluten free fried rice recipe.

Jambalaya is often made as a one-pot recipe due to its convenient cooking method of all being cooked up in one pot. And if you’re like me and hate doing dishes, this is the best way to make meal! This Gluten Free Jambalaya is especially perfect for a weeknight meal!

What Makes this Gluten free Recipe Special?

• I love making this Gluten Free Jambalaya for busy nights when we have work, errands and activities. My favorite is coming home to this jambalaya, ready to eat at the end the day.
• The best part about this recipe is that it is a one pan meal…which means only one pan to make it and only one pan to clean up! My ideal situation since I hate doing dishes.
• This Gluten Free Jambalaya is allergy friendly. You can use gluten free flour like I did for gluten free recipe. You can use dairy free butter for an easy dairy free recipe!
• I really don’t love recipes with a TON of ingredients. I like my recipes to be quick and simple. And there may be a lot of ingredients here, but they are all affordable, easy to find and most I already keep stocked at home.
• Once you get all the ingredients in the pot you don’t have to worry about it. My favorite type of recipe: set it and forget it.

Gluten Free Jambalaya Ingredients & Substitutions

• Protein: Classic Jambalaya traditionally includes more than one type of protein. Most often people choose frm shrimp, chicken, sausage, or ham. Multiple proteins in this recipe help to add depth of flavor and texture! I used sausage and chicken in this Gluten Free Jambalaya but the best part is that you can use whatever you have on hand!
• Gluten free flour: I use a gluten free flour blend to ensure this dish is gluten free.
• Butter: You can use vegan/dairy free butter for a dairy free recipe
• Onion, Celery, Pepper: The holy trinity.
• Cajun seasoning: You can use store bought or make your own by combining salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Diced tomatoes: I use canned to save time but you can dice your own fresh tomatoes too!
• Chicken bone broth: Bone broth or chicken stock is fine to use here. I always choose bone broth because it is cooked for longer and higher collagen content, but both work the same!
• Jasmine rice: Any white rice works! If you love gluten free dinner recipes with rice, here are 20 easy weeknight rice recipes you need to make!

How do I make this recipe?

First, I brown the sausage and chicken over medium heat in a large pot. When it is done, I remove from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, I melt the butter. I whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a light golden brown.

Next, I add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux. I cook and stir until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Then, I stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.

After, I add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken bone broth. Bring to a boil.

Finally, I stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Then I return the browned sausage and chicken to the pot.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Depending on the seasoning you use, you can make this Gluten Free Jambalaya as spicy or mild as you want! I like to always add a little seasoning, then taste, before I add more. You can always add more but you can’t take it away if there is too much.
• Depending on the protein you use, it will change the flavor, texture and spice of this dish. Chicken and shrimp can be mild while some sausage can give it a real kick.

Is Jambalaya Gluten free?

Jambalaya is easy to make as a naturally gluten free dish. But remember, not everyone makes it the same. As someone who is gluten free and celiac, when I go to a restaurant I always ask before ordering it. Some restaurants may use a sausage or a seasoning that is not gluten free. Sometimes a traditional Jambalaya may use a classic roux so you can never be too sure. Always ask if you are not making it yourself.

What is the difference between Gumbo and Jambalaya?

Both Gumbo and Jambalaya have some of the same basic ingredients like meat, carrots, onions, celery, and cajun seasoning. However, one big difference is that gumbo includes okra and jambalaya doesnt. Gumbo is a soup or stew that is serve OVER rice, while Jambalaya is a dish made WITH rice.

What are the different types of Jambalaya?

There are two types of jambalaya: Creole or brown Jambalaya and Red Jambalaya.

Red Jambalaya is traditionally made with tomatoes. It is a Creole Jambalaya that started in New Orleans and is super close to a spanish paella. Creole or brown Jambalaya is made mainly with stock instead of using any tomatoes. This one has more of a smoky and spicy flavor. The Gluten Free Jambalaya we made here, and most recipes are today are a combination of the two joined together!

How Can I make this in the crock pot?

Need to set it and forget it? You got it! You can make this delicious Gluten Free Jambalaya in the slow cooker too! This Jambalaya recipe can be converted to cook in your crockpot.

Gently layer the vegetables, meat, rice, and seasonings in the crock pot. Since the crock pot retains moisture, you might need to slightly reduce the amount of broth or stock called for in the original recipe. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

How do I Store this Gluten Free Jambalaya?

To store, I let the Gluten Free Jambalaya cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.

Can I freeze this Gluten Free Jambalaya?

This Gluten Free Jambalaya is an easy freezer friendly meal, which means it is a great option for a meal prep lunches or dinners! I love to have it ready to go when I need to just pull a dinner out of the freezer and heat it up quick. For longer storage, I love to portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat leftovers?

If the Gluten Free Jambalaya leftovers are stored in the fridge, I add to a skillet and warm on medium low heat so it does not burn. You can also reheat in the microwave or oven. Make sure to only heat it until it is warm and not overcook.

If leftovers are stored in the freezer, let thaw overnight. Then, add to a skillet and warm on medium low heat so it does not burn. Make sure to only heat it until it is warm and not overcook. You can also reheat the Gluten Free Jambalaya in the microwave or oven.

Looking for more gluten free recipes?

If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along! 

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