• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Main Course
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Appetizers
    • Low Carb and Keto
  • Kitchen Product Reviews
  • This for That
My Kitchen Serenity
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Main Course
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Dips and Appetizers
  • Low Carb and Keto
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
  • ×
    Home » Main Course » Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Published: Mar 2, 2022 · Modified: Oct 3, 2024 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Low carb keto jambalaya made with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and cauliflower rice.  This easy low carb jambalaya is packed with classic New Orleans flavor and ready to eat in 30 minutes!

    You'll absolutely love this delicious low carb, keto, and gluten free jambalaya. And I think you'll also find this Keto Pot Roast just as flavorful and satisfying!

    Cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Why We Love It
    • Ingredients for Keto Jambalaya
    • How to Make Keto Jambalaya
    • Storing and Reheating
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Easy Low Carb Keto Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Thank you for visiting my blog.  I'm glad to share with you this wonderful low carb keto jambalaya recipe! I've converted my original chicken and sausage jambalaya with this low carb version!

    My husband and I visit New Orleans at least twice a year. It's only a few hours from our house and frankly, we go there just to eat! We love New Orleans so much, we were married there - in the beautiful botanical gardens.

    My grandfather was born in New Orleans and operated a trolley as a teenager. There's so much history in NOLA and we love the people, too.

    Why This Recipe Works

    Replacing the starchy rice with cauliflower rice was an easy decision for this keto jambalaya recipe. However, there was some tweaking to the recipe because cauliflower rice does not absorb liquid like regular rice does.

    This recipe does not need any water or chicken broth!  The only liquid needed is from the canned tomatoes. Also, the method is slightly different than my original jambalaya recipe and the cooking time is much shorter!

    Let's talk about this delicious low carb, keto, and gluten free jambalaya. You're going to love it!

    Why We Love It

    As you may already know, I have a chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe previously posted on my blog. That recipe is an old family recipe, passed down from my Louisiana Cajun family, that I modified and made my own. And recently, I wanted to take my jambalaya recipe and modify it again!

    Why? Because there are family members who follow the low carb, keto lifestyle and I want them to experience all the wonderful flavors of my jambalaya without all the carbs.

    This recipe fits their high protein, low carb diet lifestyle just like my Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms. And I proudly admit, they're both quite delicious (the best!).

    For a handy printable keto food list, check out this PDF version from Whole Lotta Yum. 

    Ingredients for Keto Jambalaya

    Ingredients measured out in individual containers on counter top.

    Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs - I recommend thighs since they won't get dry like breasts sometimes do.

    Smoked sausage - use andouille sausage, Conecuh, or your favorite.

    Peeled and deveined shrimp - use fresh or frozen, but if using frozen shrimp allow them to thaw first.

    Onion, green bell pepper, and celery (trinity) - or use the frozen chopped blend from Pic Sweet like I do!

    Canned diced tomatoes - use the plain diced tomatoes since the others have a higher carb count. Tomatoes aren't technically used in Cajun cooking, but I like them, so I use them!

    Frozen cauliflower rice - no need to thaw, it works great right out of the freezer.

    Olive oil - used for browning the chicken.

    Seasonings - dried parsley flakes, dried basil, garlic powder, Cajun or Creole seasoning, black pepper, and salt all work together to bring out the amazing flavor!

    How to Make Keto Jambalaya

    Photo collage of recipe instructions.

    (1) Brown the seasoned diced chicken in olive oil in a heavy 5 qt saute pan. Here's my 5 qt Calphalon pot that I use and love! Brown the chicken about 5 minutes and remove it from the pot.

    (2) Brown the sliced sausage in the same pot for 5 minutes. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and celery (trinity). Mix well and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove and incorporate any browned pieces of chicken and sausage (some call this gradoux or gradoo! There are several neat names for this, but this is the one I heard growing up). Simmer covered for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.  Remove the sausage from the pot.

    (3) Add the shrimp to the pot (add more olive oil if needed) and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.  Stir frequently.

    (4) Return chicken, sausage, and trinity to the pot.  Add the tomatoes with juice, cauliflower rice, and seasonings. Mix well and taste for flavor. Bring mixture to a slow simmer, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Gently stir the jambalaya, cover, and slow simmer for another 5 minutes.

    Serve with hot sauce if desired.  A green salad is a nice side dish if you need a side dish.  There are never any leftovers at my house!

    Storing and Reheating

    Freezing Leftovers

    Keto jambalaya freezes well.  Allow the jambalaya to completely cool off. Then place into a freezer container or sealable plastic freezer bag (write the date on the bag so you can easily remember it). This jambalaya will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge the day before you plan to eat it. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

    Storing Leftovers

    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco, available now on Amazon.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What to serve with it

    You really don't need to serve this keto jambalaya with anything else because it's full of meat and vegetables.  However, if you just want to serve something else with it, or you want to stretch out the meal, serve with a green salad or keto deviled eggs. If you're craving something sweet, try my Keto Crunch Bars! They'll satisfy that sweet tooth in a jiff!

    Can I add okra?

    From what I hear, some people add sliced, fresh okra to this recipe.  I'd recommend about 1 to 2 cups, but keep in mind, the okra will add some carbs to the nutritional data.

    How spicy should it be?

    That's totally up to you and your heat level preference.  I know people (like my brother) who will add several shakes from a liquid hot sauce bottle to spice it up even more.  This recipe is completely adjustable to your liking.  Leave out the spicy seasoning all together if you're sensitive to spicy foods. 

    Cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background.

    More Easy Low Carb Keto Recipes

    • 1 inch thick strips of medium rare cooked new york strip steak
      How to Reverse Sear a Steak
    • Baked chicken breast with asparagus spears, rosemary sprig, and lemon slice in a foil packet.
      Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Foil Packets with Asparagus
    • baked snapper topped with capers on white plate with fork
      10-Minute Red Snapper with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce
    • baked casserole in cast iron skillet
      Keto Squash Casserole

    If you try this keto jambalaya recipe, let me know!  Give it a recipe rating and leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you! Merci and bon appetit!

    Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for delicious recipe ideas!

    If you'd like more easy recipes sent straight to your email, subscribe and get a free 5-day meal plan! How easy is that!

    Recipe

    cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background

    Low Carb Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    This low carb keto jambalaya recipe is made with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and cauliflower rice.  and is packed with flavor.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 493kcal
    Author: Anne Clark | My Kitchen Serenity

    Equipment

    • 5 quart pan
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch squares
    • 1 lb smoked sausage or andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch disks
    • 1 lb shrimp, completely peeled and deveined do not leave the peel on the tails
    • 1 cup onion, diced small see Recipe Note
    • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced small see Recipe Note
    • ½ cup celery, diced small see Recipe Note
    • 2 can diced tomatoes (14.5-oz each)
    • 1 10-oz bag frozen cauliflower rice, steamed per package directions
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning (Tony's or Slap Ya Mama)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Season the diced chicken with a little salt and pepper or Tony's and brown in olive oil in a heavy 5 qt saute pan. Brown for about 5 minutes and remove from the pot.
    • Add the sliced sausage to the pot and brown for 5 minutes. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mix well and scrape bottom of pan to remove and incorporate any browned pieces of chicken and sausage. Simmer covered for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking. Remove from pot.
    • Add the shrimp to the pot (add more olive oil if needed) and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink. Stir frequently.
    • Return chicken, sausage, and onion bell pepper mixture to pot. Add the tomatoes with juice, cauliflower rice, and seasonings. Mix well and taste for flavor. Bring mixture to a slow simmer, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Gently stir the jambalaya, cover, and slow simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve with hot sauce if desired.
    • Recipe Note:  Substitute 2 cups of the frozen chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery blend for the fresh veggies.  It will turn out just as great!

    Notes

    (A)  Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 1397mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 3mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2019 and was updated in 2024.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply sharing my personal favorite recipes on this blog. Please consult with your physician before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide net carb information for my low carb recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

    « Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars
    Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gary

      March 26, 2024 at 11:17 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out perfect as written. The second time I made it, used Kaizen (orzo style) which resembled rice well but still low carb. Husband loved it as well, so thank you!!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        March 27, 2024 at 9:58 am

        I'm so happy you both enjoyed the keto jambalaya! Thank you for leaving a comment 🙂 I love the idea of using Kaizen; I've never used it but I will check it out!

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Cooked Cajun spaghetti on white plate with two slices of buttered French bread on the side.
      Cajun Sausage Spaghetti
    • Baked cookies piled high in a large, black bowl.
      Homestyle Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies
    • Baked and sliced meatloaf on a white serving platter.
      Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
    • Overhead view of a bowl of etoufee with white rice. Sliced green onions for garnish. With sliced, toasted French bread in the background.
      Cajun Crawfish Etouffee

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Easy Lemon Lush Dessert
    • One cooked and seasoned pork chop with a pat of butter on top on a white serving plate.
      Easy Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops
    • Baked meatball sliders on white serving platter.
      Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
    • Three layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in between the layers and on top. Sides not frosted.
      Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Footer

    collage of all featured articles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    1150 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.