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    Home / Keto Jambalaya 🥘

    Keto Jambalaya 🥘

    Cast Iron Keto
    by Cast Iron Keto
    Updated: Dec 13,2023
    34 Comments
    4.68 from 34 votes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Get ready to indulge in the bold and delicious flavors of our easy Keto Jambalaya with sausage, chicken, and shrimp. This recipe is all about satisfying your Cajun cravings while keeping those carbs in check. And we've got a special ingredient that will blow your mind – Kiolbassa Jalapeño Beef Sausage. It's a game-changer! So let's dive in and create a jambalaya masterpiece that will have you dancing with joy!

    Keto Jambalaya in skillet

    This Keto Jambalaya is sponsored by Kiolbassa Smoked Meats. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious Cast Iron Keto recipes EPIC.

    Jump to:
    • Preparation and cooking overview
    • Chef's note
    • 🥘 Ingredients for this keto jambalaya recipe
    • Ingredient substitutions
    • Additional ingredients
    • Cooking tools required
    • Tools substitute options
    • How to make Keto Jambalaya: step-by-step guide
    • Cooking methods
    • Preparation steps
    • Cooking instructions
    • What to serve with keto jambalaya
    • How to make it healthier
    • Time-saving tips
    • What can I prepare ahead of time?
    • Storage and reheating instructions
    • Storage instructions
    • Reheating instructions
    • Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
    • Frequently asked questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Preparation and cooking overview

    Preparing and cooking our keto-friendly jambalaya is a breeze! Sauté the holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in a cast iron skillet. Then, add the spices, chicken, sausage, tomatoes, shrimp, and cauliflower rice, letting all the flavors mingle and develop. You can make this dish in just 35 minutes.

    Chef's note

    Experiment with different protein options like turkey or even add in some keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Don't be afraid to play with the spice levels to suit your taste buds—add a dash more cayenne if you like it fiery, or tone it down for a milder kick.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

    For more inspiration check out our Beef recipe.

    🥘 Ingredients for this keto jambalaya recipe

    Don't let the list of ingredients intimidate you—each one plays a vital role in creating the vibrant flavors of this dish! Just gather them all up and let the magic unfold in your kitchen.

    • 6 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 1 green bell pepper diced
    • ½ small red onion diced
    • 1 stalk celery diced
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon oregano
    • 1 tablespoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 13 ounces package Kiolbassa Jalapeño Beef Sausages
    • 4 ounces of chicken thighs cubed
    • 8 ounces shrimp
    • 14 ounces of diced tomatoes
    • 6 cups cauliflower rice
    • Parsley for topping

    Ingredient substitutions

    • Red onion: You can use shallots or white onions as a substitute for red onion.
    • Celery: Substitute it with fennel for a similar flavor and texture.
    • Chicken: You can replace the chicken in this recipe with Turkey, as it's an equally delicious alternative with a unique flavor.

    Additional ingredients

    • Cajun seasoning: Enhance the Cajun flavors by incorporating a tablespoon of keto-friendly Cajun seasoning.
    • Hot sauce: Drizzle some keto-friendly hot sauce to spice things up further.
    • Fresh herbs: Besides parsley, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness.
    • Lemon or lime: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the dish before serving to add a zesty tang.
    • Butter: For an indulgent touch, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end to enrich the flavors and add a creamy element.

    Cooking tools required

    To make this keto jambalaya recipe, you will need the following tools:

    • Large 10.5" cast iron skillet (or a similar large skillet)
    • Cutting board
    • Knife
    • Measuring spoons
    • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

    Tools substitute options

    • Cast iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a non-stick pan.
    Keto Jambalaya in skillet

    How to make Keto Jambalaya: step-by-step guide

    Cooking methods

    • Sautéing
    • Simmering

    Preparation steps

    1. Wash and dice the green bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.
    2. Trim any excess fat and cut chicken thighs into cubes. Additionally, slice the Kiolbassa Jalapeño Beef Sausages into bite-sized pieces.
    3. Peel and devein the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry.
    4. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice grains.
    5. Open the can of diced tomatoes using a can opener, if needed. Set aside.

    Cooking instructions

    1. Heat the oil in a large 10.5" cast iron skillet over medium-high heat; add in the bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes.
    2. Add in the spices along with the chicken and sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
    3. Add in the tomatoes and shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through then add in the cauliflower rice. Cook another 5-7 minutes until the rice is hot. Top with parsley and serve.

    Chef's pro tip

    To ensure your shrimp turns out tender and juicy, avoid overcooking. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 2-3 minutes. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on them during this short cooking time to prevent overcooking. Perfectly cooked shrimp will add a delightful touch to your dish. Enjoy the incredible flavors!

    Keto Jambalaya in skillet

    What to serve with keto jambalaya

    Here are some keto-friendly food pairings that would go well with this cauliflower rice jambalaya recipe:

    • Greek Salad: The crispness and freshness of a green salad provide a refreshing contrast to the bold and savory flavors of the skillet.
    • Grilled asparagus spears: A smoky and slightly charred asparagus complements the robust flavors of the Cajun dish.
    • Sautéed spinach or kale: These leafy greens provide vibrant color, texture, and added nutrients. Sautéing them with garlic or olive oil adds a pleasant flavor while maintaining a healthy and light accompaniment.
    • Avocado slices or guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole add richness and a satisfying creaminess to balance the spiciness of the Cajun flavors. The cool and buttery texture of avocado creates a harmonious contrast.
    • Cucumber salad: Our Asian Cucumber salad is a refreshing and crisp side dish that's perfect for almost any meal.
    • Pickled vegetables for added tanginess: Pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions or pickled peppers, can add a tangy and zesty kick to the dish. The acidity and tanginess cut through the richness of the skillet and provide a delightful contrast.

    How to make it healthier

    • Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables to the Jambalaya for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Put extra diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens like kale or spinach to boost the nutritional profile of the recipe.
    • Reduce sodium: Limit the amount of added salt or opt for low-sodium versions of ingredients like diced tomatoes or spices. Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying heavily on salt.
    • Choose organic and/or sustainably sourced ingredients: Select organic produce, sustainably sourced meats, and seafood that are free from antibiotics and hormones.

    Time-saving tips

    • Use frozen diced vegetables: Use frozen diced bell peppers, onions, and celery instead of chopping fresh ones. Frozen vegetables are already prepped and can be added directly to the skillet, saving you time on chopping and reducing prep work.
    • One-pot cooking: If you have a larger skillet or a pot, cook the Jambalaya in one pot instead of separately sautéing the vegetables and proteins. This reduces the number of dishes to wash and streamlines the cooking process.
    • Cook in batches: Double the recipe and cook a larger portion. Leftovers can be stored for future meals, saving time cooking another meal from scratch.

    What can I prepare ahead of time?

    • Prep the holy trinity: Dice the green bell pepper, red onion, and celery and store them together in a container in the refrigerator.
    • Pre-clean the shrimp: If your shrimp isn't already peeled and deveined, clean them ahead of cooking. This will allow you to focus on other steps while cooking.
    • Make cauliflower rice in advance: If you prefer to make it, prepare it beforehand. Simply process cauliflower florets in a food processor and store the rice in an airtight box in the refrigerator until needed.

    Storage and reheating instructions

    Storage instructions

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
    • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and consume it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
    • For longer storage, freeze the Jambalaya for up to 3 months.
    • While freezing may affect the texture of the cauliflower rice, the flavors will still be enjoyable.

    Reheating instructions

    • Microwave: Place a portion of the Jambalaya in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir halfway through.
    • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
    • Stove: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated to your desired temperature.

    Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

    Grab your fork and get ready to dive into this Keto Jambalaya, bursting with flavor! Whether it's the spicy sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, or the special blend of Cajun spices that draws you in, this dish has something for everyone. It's a tasty twist on a classic Cajun favorite that will keep your taste buds happy without straying from your keto plan.

    Start by gathering your ingredients, and then let your inner chef take over. As you cook, the delicious smells will fill your kitchen, creating a meal that's not only healthy but also indulgent. So, get set to add some excitement to your keto diet with every scrumptious bite of this amazing dish!

    Frequently asked questions

    Jambalaya can vary in calorie count depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. On average, a serving of Jambalaya can range from 300 to 500 calories.

    Yes, this recipe for keto Jambalaya is designed to be low in carbs and suitable for a ketogenic diet. It uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, making it a great option for those following a keto lifestyle.

    Certainly! While this recipe calls for sausage, chicken, and shrimp, you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to use different types of sausage, swap the chicken for other protein options like turkey or beef, or add seafood like crawfish or crab to create your unique twist on keto Jambalaya.

    📖 Recipe

    Keto Jambalaya in skillet

    Keto Jambalaya

    This easy Keto Jambalaya with sausage, chicken, and shrimp is packed full of flavor with a tiny fraction of the carbs that jambalaya typically has.
    4.68 from 34 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cajun, keto, low carb
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 394kcal

    Ingredients

    • 6 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 1 green bell pepper diced
    • ½ small red onion diced
    • 1 stalk celery diced
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon oregano
    • 1 tablespoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 13 oz package Kiolbassa Jalapeño Beef Sausages
    • 4 ounces chicken thighs cubed
    • 8 ounces shrimp
    • 14 oz can diced tomatoes
    • 6 cups cauliflower rice
    • Parsley for topping
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat the oil in a large 10.5" cast iron skillet over medium high heat, add in the bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes.
    • Add in the spices along with the chicken and sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
    • Add in the tomatoes and shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through then add in the cauliflower rice. Cook another 5-7 minutes until the rice is hot. Top with parsley and serve.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Keto Jambalaya
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 394 Calories from Fat 256
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 28.4g44%
    Carbohydrates 13.4g4%
    Fiber 4.6g19%
    Protein 23.7g47%
    *

    Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

    # Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann M says

      August 25, 2024 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      We have used this recipe for years. Everyone in the family loves it. We sometimes use pork loin instead of chicken and we use Andouille sausage.

      Reply
      • Cast Iron Keto says

        August 26, 2024 at 12:58 am

        Hi Ann,

        Thanks for sharing! Pork loin and Andouille sausage sound like great swaps. Glad to hear your family loves the recipe! 😊

        Reply
    2. Juliette says

      October 19, 2021 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is the real deal; flavors are spot on! I’ll definitely be making again. Thank you for sharing - I’m going to check out your other recipes now. 😀

      Reply
    3. Amanda Wirth says

      April 11, 2021 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing! Hubby and I both loved it! I shared it with so many friends! Used regular Keilbasa as it’s one of my 3 year olds favorite! She ate the meat up real quick! Excited to try more of the recipes!

      Reply
    4. Nancy says

      January 31, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      Do you use cooked cauliflower rice or add it in raw? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Cast Iron Keto says

        February 04, 2021 at 9:20 am

        Add it in raw. We typically use a thawed bag of frozen cauliflower rice but fresh works just as well.

        Reply
    5. Mary Lynb says

      December 08, 2020 at 12:01 am

      5 stars
      I have made this multiple times and LOVE IT! So simple and so tasty. The fact that it’s low carb is a plus.

      Reply
    6. Olive says

      September 17, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this! I made It with what I had but I loved this! So easy and quick to make! I messed it the first time I made this and put almost a tablespoon of cayanne lol it was so spicy! So good though! I need to save this one for later 😍

      Reply
    7. P Kathy J says

      August 12, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      5 stars
      5 Stars!! (I'm sorry, I couldn't get the stars to go bold.) This is excellent. I did not expect to find a keto recipe as good as my New Orleans cookbook recipe that I have used for years BUT this is outstanding! I did fry the riced cauliflower separately and then served the jambalaya over the top to keep the cauliflower from getting mushy. My husband, who doesn't care for cauliflower, says I can make this recipe anytime. I agree and I will!

      Reply
    8. Destiny R Johnson says

      August 08, 2020 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      So delicious!

      Reply
    9. Jonathan Obrecht says

      May 08, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      It was awesome!

      Reply
    10. Sandi Burgess says

      April 08, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      Looks good. Can this be done in slow cooker?

      Reply
      • Cast Iron Keto says

        April 14, 2020 at 4:27 pm

        Hi Sandi, I don't think this recipe would be quite as good done in a slow cooker.

        Reply
    11. Sharon K. says

      February 02, 2020 at 2:22 am

      Does anyone know the sugar content?

      Reply
    12. Beth says

      January 16, 2020 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      I used the sausage in the picture the 1st try, it was too smokey for me. The second time I used spicy Cajun chicken sausage it was fantastic.

      Reply
    13. Jill says

      August 12, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      Do the leftovers freeze well?

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        August 14, 2019 at 4:55 pm

        Yes! I simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        April 23, 2020 at 1:09 am

        This recipe looks amazing! I can't wait to try it. One question: should the cauliflower rice be raw or cooked before adding to the pan? Thanks!

        Reply
    14. Awash907 says

      March 15, 2019 at 2:10 am

      I made this tonight and it was wonderful, thank you for such a great recipe!

      Reply
    15. Katie says

      March 05, 2019 at 11:56 pm

      This recipe was absolutely fantastic and had such a great flavor. Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
    16. Trish says

      February 18, 2019 at 4:55 am

      Can you make this in a regular skillet or frying pan? I don’t own an iron skillet.

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        February 21, 2019 at 6:17 pm

        For sure!

        Reply
    17. Thomas says

      February 12, 2019 at 11:20 am

      Excellent recipe great blend of flavor

      Reply
    18. Shannon says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:24 am

      Another winner recipe! I used the beef sausage link I already had and it was still delicious.

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        January 28, 2019 at 6:42 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    19. Laurel says

      January 21, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      Is the nutrition information per serving?

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        January 28, 2019 at 6:44 pm

        The nutritional info is at the bottom of the recipe.

        Reply
    20. Christie says

      January 20, 2019 at 12:38 am

      What is the serving size and how many calories and etc. for that serving?

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        January 28, 2019 at 6:47 pm

        The nutritional information is listed at the bottom of the recipe, the serving size is listed at the top. Nutritional information is for one serving.

        Reply
        • Brianna says

          January 27, 2020 at 2:33 pm

          I am seeing that it serves 6 people, however, I am not seeing what the actual serving size is. What exactly is the serving size?

          Reply
          • Cast Iron Keto says

            January 27, 2020 at 11:40 pm

            Unfortunately, that's not how recipes work. Unlike a packaged food product that is made by a single company, recipes can't provide reliable serving weights due to the fluctuations in how different people measure and cook. To get a reliable serving size you'll need to weigh your final dish then divide by the number of servings. You can also simply eyeball 1/6th of the recipe. Hope this helps!

            Reply
            • Takenya says

              March 04, 2021 at 2:54 pm

              5 stars
              That makes sense but I'm doubling it and freezing it in individual servings. Guaging 1/12 of a recipe is tricky so based on how much this much this makes, what is one serving?

    21. Kris says

      January 03, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      There is no sausage In the ingredient list.. what type do you use?

      Reply
      • Alex Lester says

        January 03, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        Hi Kris, thanks for pointing out that typo! The recipe is now updated.

        Reply
    4.68 from 34 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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