Keto Jambalaya

Protein-packed keto jambalaya is the perfect one-pot low carb meal to spice up your keto family dinner. Shrimp, andouille sausage, and chicken with veggies, Creole spices, and gluten-free cauliflower rice make up one of the most delicious keto summer recipes on our meal plan. Mmmmm!

Do you sometimes just crave something different? Maybe one child wants sausage, the other chicken, and you want shrimp? Well, have I got the perfect creative keto meals recipe for you!

Keto jambalaya is one of those recipes I just love because anyone will like it, keto or not. Keto for families can be done so you don’t have to cook different meals for just yourself! I’ve even used this for one of my best keto camping meals!

It’s packed with 36 grams of protein per serving and is a one-pot meal of meat and veggies. You can even add more chicken bone broth to make it into a hearty stew if you like.

Admittedly, there can be some discussion on the appropriate spiciness, especially with kids around. However, the flavors will take you back to that glorious trip to New Orleans and leave you wanting a pecan praline for dessert. Jambalaya is a traditional rice dish of New Orleans, and it’s getting a makeover with gluten-free cauliflower rice, which has significantly less of all the carbs compared to traditional rice.

I consider it one of the best incredibly easy keto family meals to mix things up a bit!

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Life was just a tire swing. ‘Jambalaya’ was the only song I could sing. Blackberry pickin’, eatin’ fried chicken, And I never knew a thing about pain. Life was just a tire swing.

🦐 Keto Jambalaya recipe

Gumbo, crawfish étoufée, jambalaya, red beans and rice, barbeque shrimp, beignets, po-boys, bananas foster, pralines. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine definitely is.

Even more than the historic homes, the swamp tours, and the infamous Bourbon Street, my favorite thing about New Orleans is the food. In my opinion, any visit to the historic city should focus on eating well and good music.

The problem comes in when you are trying to be good and eat a keto diet. What can you do? So many of these amazing dishes are not exactly keto-friendly.

Keto recipes can help you maintain a keto diet while still enjoying traditional flavors, offering a variety of low-carb options suitable for summer gatherings like BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.

Never fear! My little test kitchen is all about cajun fixins lately, and I’m all about making these traditional flavors into amazing keto dishes. Then you can make your own low carb versions at home when you’re dreaming of your next trip to The Big Easy.

Now, for one of my favorite low carb family meals. Shall we start with keto jambalaya?

🍽 Equipment for low carb jambalaya

• a skillet or dutch oven
• a spatula
• knife and cutting board
• extra plate or bowl
• serving spoon

🥘 Ingredients in this keto jambalaya recipe with fresh herbs

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped into small chunks
• 1 lb andouille sausage, thinly sliced in rounds
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt, (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken bone broth, (2 if you prefer it more like soup)
• 1 14 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme, dried
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 12 oz pkg riced cauliflower (or make your own)
• 1 lb deveined and peeled shrimp
• 1-2 chopped jalapeños (for extra spice), optional
• ¼ cup fresh herbs, chopped (for garnish or in the cooking process)

🔪 Instructions

How to make jambalaya for the keto diet!

First of all, as I always say, get out all your ingredients and kitchen utensils. Second, use a large skillet or Dutch oven and melt the three tablespoons of butter. I prefer a Dutch oven simply because I tend to make a mess when I cook, and the Dutch oven gives you more room to work with this large recipe.

For a twist, consider using grilled chicken or grilled fish as alternative protein options for the jambalaya.

The first thing to go into the pot is the meat. When the butter’s melted, throw in the chicken pieces and round sausage slices. Now, stir it around with a spatula and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Then remove it from the pan and set aside in an extra bowl or on a plate.

Next, it’s time for the veggies! In the pot with the leftover butter and meat fat, put the celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the pan to cook. It should take about 3-5 minutes or just until it’s all tender. Then, pour in the chicken bone broth and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Once that’s combined, go ahead and put in the other seasonings: Creole seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and the jalapeño if using.

🌶 How spicy should keto jambalaya be?

I am the first one to admit I am a complete wimp when it comes to spice. The andouille sausage and cayenne pepper add plenty of spice for me. However, if you love the traditional southern spice and want to kick it up a notch, throw in a chopped jalapeño or two.

Now, return the chicken and sausage to the pan with the vegetables and other ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then add in the riced cauliflower and the shrimp. I usually use deveined, peeled, tail-off shrimp because it’s easier to eat. On the other hand, you could leave the tail on to make it more impressive visually.

So then, cook it until the shrimp is pink, about 5-10 more minutes. Next, turn down the heat and simmer it to combine the flavors another 5-10 minutes. If needed, add more salt and pepper to your liking, sprinkle on some chopped Italian parsley and serve!

It’s one of those great one pot family keto dinners on its own or even with a low carb or no carb bread on the side for those people like my husband who insist upon it! It’s a yummy dinner that’s sure to be a huge hit whenever you make it.

👩‍🍳 Variations: Keto jambalaya soup

Traditional jambalaya does not have a lot of liquid because the rice soaks it all up. However, I like a good soup or stew in winter and sometimes like to add more liquid. To make a stew, add 2 more cups of bone broth and simmer it to mix up all those delicious flavors.

If you want even more shrimp options for summer, try these amazing keto and low carb grilled lime cilantro shrimp skewers.  My life a jambalaya, —and the truth a changing stew- Unknown Another option, especially with kids around, is to switch out one of the meats if say, shrimp isn’t their thing. I know it may sound like sacrilege, but you could switch out ground beef or ground turkey if one of the meats is not to their liking. For a different texture, consider using an air fryer to prepare the chicken or sausage.

One other thing to try if you want a creamy jambalaya, is to add in 4 ounces of chopped cream cheese. It’s again, not traditional, but it’s great with the spices and meats.

Enjoy!

🏕 Keto camping dinners and low carb summer recipes

When we go camping as a family, I like to mix up the keto camping recipes. Other than the usual trout, hot dogs over the fire, and foil packet meat and veggies dinners, it’s good to add this low carb jambalaya to the keto camping foods! This jambalaya can also be a great addition to your next BBQ or backyard BBQ gathering.

I admit I have to be in an ambitious mood to try it, but it can be a popular option on the keto camping food list and something different to mix up your camping trip. I would suggest making it beforehand and warming it up in a cast-iron pot over the fire or camp stove. However, it is a keto camping food that could be made on site. I personally like to make my life easier and keep it in the cooler until ready to warm up.

Louisiana food and travel

Have you been to Louisiana? If so, what are your favorite things to do in New Orleans? My son tells me he wants to feed alligators and go to a New Orleans Saint’s game. My daughter wants to see the Spanish moss and southern mansions. I’ll do all of the above and eat some low carb jambalaya! Give me your tips for things to do in New Orleans with kids below!

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Tag me in your recipe pics on Instagram @explorermomma.

If you LOVE this recipe please consider giving it a five-star rating in the review area below! And maybe try these babies for dessert: Keto Cinnamon Pecan Cookies. Yum!

🥣 More keto dinner recipes

1. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Bake
2. Keto Taco Soup
3. Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
4. Keto Cheddar Focaccia
5. Antipasto Salad
6. Keto Gumbo
7. Easy Keto Paella

Or for more shrimp try Low Carb Bang Bang Shrimp from Dr. Davinah’s Eats.

For more meal ideas, check out my collection of over 150 low carb recipes and a variety of delicious low carb summer recipes.

📖 Printable recipe card

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal.com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional information on your own with the specific ingredients you use. 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.