Wash and chop all vegetables first. Cut chicken into small pieces. Slice the sausage evenly. Clean the shrimp and keep aside. This step saves time later and makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Place a large pot on medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Do not overheat the oil. It should be hot but not smoking before adding ingredients.

Add chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until lightly browned. Stir often so it cooks evenly. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy inside.

Put sliced sausage into the pot. Cook with the chicken for a few minutes. The sausage releases smoky flavor. This gives the jambalaya its classic taste.

Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir well. Cook until soft and slightly golden. Then add garlic and cook for one minute. This creates a rich base flavor.

Sprinkle paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Let the spices cook for a minute. This helps release their full aroma.

Add rice into the pot. Stir it well with the mixture. Let it toast slightly for one minute. This step improves the texture of the rice.

Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Mix everything together. Make sure the rice is fully covered with liquid. Bring it to a gentle boil.

Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. Do not stir too often. This allows the rice to cook perfectly.

Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes. Stir gently and cover again. Shrimp cooks quickly and should stay soft and juicy.

Turn off heat and let the jambalaya rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors.