Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe

Are you ready to make a super tasty, easy meal with minimal effort? Let me tell you about my slow cooker jambalaya recipe! It’s packed with flavor and the best part is, it practically cooks itself.

I know what you’re thinking: “Is it really that simple?” Absolutely! You just toss everything into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got a warm, hearty meal ready to go. No need to stand over the stove!

I’ve made this dish on busy days, and it’s always a hit with my family. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste! So, let’s dive into this easy jambalaya that you’ll love making again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Hands-Off: Let your slow cooker do all the hard work. Simply add everything to the pot and let it cook, freeing up time to do other things.
• Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and a rich blend of spices delivers a dish that’s full of flavor and texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish makes great leftovers, and the flavors only get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the slow cooker, making clean-up a breeze.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness or swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: About 5 hours (depending on cook time)

Servings:

This recipe makes about 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner for two with plenty of leftovers.

Difficulty:

Easy. This recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Just chop, stir, and set the slow cooker!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this jambalaya, you’ll need the following tools:

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables and slicing the sausage.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure out the spices and ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

Before you get started, here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful slow cooker jambalaya:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks): The chicken adds protein and a juicy texture to the dish.
• 1 pound andouille sausage links (sliced): This sausage brings that signature smoky, spicy flavor that jambalaya is known for.
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: The tomatoes provide a rich base and a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
• 1 large onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped): A pop of color and sweetness to complement the spices.
• 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced): Adds crunch and freshness to the mix.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The liquid base for the slow cooker, adding flavor and helping to cook the rice.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb brings a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds a savory note that complements the Cajun seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish, providing that bold, spicy flavor that jambalaya is famous for.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For an extra kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Helps to thicken the dish and deepen the tomato flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice: This rice absorbs all the flavorful liquid and spices as it cooks.
• 1 pound raw shrimp (13-15 count): These shrimp add a touch of sweetness and seafood flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and chicken.

How to Make Slow Cooker Jambalaya

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, and slice your andouille sausage into rounds. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the celery. You’ll want everything ready to go before adding it to the slow cooker to make the process as smooth as possible.

2. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), onion, bell pepper, celery, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything gently. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly at the bottom so it cooks properly.

3. Season the Dish

Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and a bit of salt and pepper over the mixture. Stir everything again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the ingredients. The Cajun seasoning will provide the dish with its signature bold and spicy flavor, so don’t skip this step!

4. Add the Tomato Paste and Rice

Stir in the tomato paste. It will help thicken the sauce and enrich the flavor of the jambalaya. Next, add the uncooked rice to the slow cooker and stir it into the mix, ensuring the rice is evenly incorporated into the dish. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks.

5. Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process will allow all the flavors to meld together, making the dish incredibly rich and savory.

6. Add the Shrimp

Once the jambalaya has cooked for the allotted time and the rice is tender, it’s time to add the shrimp. Scatter the shrimp evenly on top of the jambalaya mixture and stir gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked through.

Tips for Success

• Check the Rice: Depending on the brand of rice, cooking times may vary slightly. Check the rice before adding the shrimp to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like things spicier, feel free to add more cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, you can cut back on the cayenne if you prefer a milder dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a smaller slow cooker, it might be best to make this recipe in two batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Jambalaya

This jambalaya is a one-pot meal that’s packed with protein and veggies, so it’s hearty enough to stand on its own. However, there are a few fun ways to elevate your dish and customize it based on what you’re in the mood for.

1. Serve with a Side of Garlic Bread

Pair your jambalaya with a slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread. The bread will help soak up any delicious sauce left in the bowl.

2. Top with Fresh Herbs

For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving. The green color adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile.

3. Add a Side Salad

A light, crisp salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of jambalaya. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or go for a creamy coleslaw for a perfect contrast of textures.

4. Serve Over a Bed of Rice

Though the dish already contains rice, you can serve your jambalaya over extra rice to stretch the meal further or give it an extra fluffy texture.

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Jambalaya

This jambalaya makes great leftovers, and the flavors only deepen over time. Here’s how to store and reheat your dish:

Storing Jambalaya:

• Cool Completely: Allow the jambalaya to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the jambalaya to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags.

Reheating Jambalaya:

• In the Microwave: Place the jambalaya in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• On the Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen up the rice as it reheats. Stir occasionally until warmed throughout.
• In the Slow Cooker: You can also reheat jambalaya in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, adding a little extra chicken broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	800mg
Cholesterol	120mg

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is the perfect combination of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and ease of preparation. It’s an ideal dish for busy days when you want a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this jambalaya will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—adjust the spice level to your liking, add extra vegetables, or substitute proteins as needed. No matter how you make it, you’re in for a delicious, one-pot meal that everyone will love.