Slow Cooker Jambalaya

If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, then Slow Cooker Jambalaya is about to become your new best friend. This one-pot wonder combines the best of Cajun and Creole flavors with a delicious mix of rice, sausage, chicken, shrimp, and an array of spices that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. And the best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can toss everything in, let it cook, and come back to a hearty, flavorful meal. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Here’s why this Jambalaya will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. No need to babysit the stovetop—just let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
• Full of Flavor: With its perfect combination of smoked sausage, seasoned chicken, shrimp, and a mix of spices, this Jambalaya brings the taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and rice, this dish is a one-pot meal that can easily feed a crowd or provide leftovers for the next day.
• Customizable: Love extra heat? Throw in a few more dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it out for extra chicken or sausage. This dish is totally adaptable to your tastes.
• Perfect for Busy Days: Whether you’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together, you can prep this dish in no time, and the slow cooker handles the rest. It’s stress-free, delicious, and satisfying.

Ingredients

This jambalaya is full of hearty ingredients that combine to create a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sausage: Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can use andouille sausage for a little more spice or opt for a milder variety if you prefer.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts give this dish some lean protein. Thighs are great for slow cooking, as they remain tender and juicy.
• Shrimp: A must-have for authentic jambalaya, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely burst of flavor.
• Bell Peppers, Onion, and Celery: These classic “Cajun Trinity” vegetables provide a base of flavor that’s quintessential to this dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic for that extra punch of savory goodness.
• Rice: The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and makes this dish truly filling.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add richness and depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps the rice cook to perfection.
• Spices: A blend of Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves brings the authentic flavors of Louisiana to the dish.
• Hot Sauce: A few dashes add a little heat to balance the richness of the sausage and chicken.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Jambalaya is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how:

Brown the Sausage and Chicken:

In a skillet, brown the sausage and chicken pieces over medium heat for a few minutes. This step helps to develop flavor, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned sausage and chicken to your slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and all your spices (Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper). Give it all a good stir.

Cook on Low:

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. You may want to check it after a few hours to make sure there’s enough liquid. Add more broth if needed.

Add Shrimp:

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp. The shrimp will cook quickly and only need about 30 minutes to become tender and juicy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the bay leaves and give everything a final stir. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful jambalaya!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Slow Cooker Jambalaya is hearty and filling on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it up:

• With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the jambalaya perfectly.
• Cornbread: Serve with a slice of buttery cornbread for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty garlic bread is great for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed Veggies: Roasted or steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus make a nice light side to go along with this rich dish.
• Hot Sauce: Keep extra hot sauce on hand for anyone who wants to turn up the heat.

Additional Tips

• Meat Variations: Feel free to mix and match proteins! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even add more shrimp and less chicken—whatever works for you.
• Spicy Level: If you like more heat, add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even some sliced jalapeños to kick it up a notch.
• Rice Tips: If you prefer a less sticky consistency for the rice, make sure to use long-grain white rice. Avoid instant rice or brown rice, as they may not cook as well in the slow cooker.
• Leftovers: Jambalaya is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before adding them to the slow cooker for best results.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can leave out the sausage, chicken, and shrimp and load up on extra vegetables like okra, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delicious veggie jambalaya.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q4: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A4: You can, but it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to add extra liquid to ensure the rice cooks fully.

Q5: Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
A5: Yes! Brown the sausage and chicken in a pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low for about 45 minutes until everything is cooked through.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A6: Yes! If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, simply skip the browning step and add the sausage to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat in a covered pan on low heat, adding a little extra broth if necessary to keep the rice from drying out.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes! Jambalaya freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q9: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A9: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of smoked sausage, try chicken sausage, kielbasa, or even Italian sausage for a different twist.

Q10: Can I add more veggies to this recipe?
A10: Of course! Feel free to throw in some extra bell peppers, celery, or even tomatoes for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Jambalaya is the definition of comfort food, with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of Southern flair. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or just want a filling, flavorful meal without much effort, this dish is perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, set it and forget it, and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade jambalaya that practically cooks itself!

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